The Addition of Vitamin E In Fish Diet For Gonadal Maturity of Cempedik Fish (<i>Osteochilus spirulus</i>)

Abstract The Cempedik fish (Osteochilus spilurus) possesses significant economic significance for the inhabitants of Belitung Island. The dependence on wild captures from rivers may result in overfishing within its native environment. This species requires a domestication process to enable its production in aquaculture. Enhancing the reproductive performance of Cempedik fish is a crucial stage that involves dietary improvements. This study aimed to assess the impact of vitamin E on gonadal maturation and identify the optimal dosage for promoting gonadal maturity in Cempedik fish. Vitamin E was incorporated into pellets at concentrations of 0, 125, 250, and 375 mg/kg. Throughout the 30-day treatment duration, the water quality metrics exhibited enhanced values relative to the fish’s native habitat, with temperature ranging from 29.2 to 29.3 ˚C, pH between 6.7 and 7, dissolved oxygen levels at 6.4 to 6.6 mg/L, total dissolved solids (TDS) from 71 to 104 mg/L, and ammonia concentrations at 1.5 to 2 mg/L. The incorporation of vitamin E into the feed affected the Gonad Maturity Level (GML) and Gonado-Somatic Index (GSI) of Cempedik fish. The maximum levels of GML and GSI were recorded in the treatment containing 375 mg/kg of vitamin E. Nonetheless, augmenting the dosage of vitamin E did not improve fecundity in this trial. Incorporating vitamin E into feed can effectively facilitate the cultivation of Cempedik fish beyond their native environment.