The Influence of differences in the composition of P. cruentum and artificial feed on the growth rate and colour intensity of clownfish (Amphiprion ocellaris)

Ornamental fish is a fisheries commodity that has the potential for development and a large market opportunity. One of the popular ornamental fish is the clownfish of the species Amphiprion ocellaris. Its striking body color serves an important function as a species marker and communication tool in defending its territory. According to Pratiwi et al. (2022) [10], the issue with clownfish is a decline in morphological color, which is caused by a deficiency of nutrients related to carotenoids and affects the morphological color of the fish. In the juvenile phase, clownfish require carotenoids to maintain their morphological color (Morais, 2019) [9]. Artificial feed does not contain carotenoids and can be obtained through the consumption of external feed (Salis et al., 2019) [11]. The microalga Porphyridium sp. contains carotenoids, as well as 56% protein in dry conditions (Safi et al., 2013) [12], EPA, DHA, and AA (Li-beisson and Nakamura, 2016) [7]. This research aims to determine the effect of different compositions of P. cruentum and artificial feed on the growth rate and color intensity of clownfish (Amphiprion ocellaris). This study employed an experimental method with a completely randomized design (CRD). The treatments used were (Treatment A) 25% P. cruentum powder in 45 grams of feed, (Treatment B) 50% P. cruentum powder in 45 grams of feed, (Treatment C) 75% P. cruentum powder in 45 grams of feed, (Treatment D) 100% P. cruentum powder in 45 grams of feed. The results showed that the addition of P. cruentum powder had a significant effect (P<0.5) on the growth rate and color intensity of clownfish (Amphiprion ocellaris). The highest growth rate was found in the 100% treatment (Treatment D) with an average of 0.67±0.029%. The highest color intensity of clownfish was also in the 100% treatment (Treatment D) with an average of 26.13±1.10 and a HUE difference of 7.