The influence of water turbidity on the spawning success of giant gourami Osphronemus goramy Lacepède, 1801

Abstract

The natural spawning of gourami (Osphronemus goramy Lac.) is influenced by various factors, including both intrinsic fish factors and external conditions like water quality, which significantly affect the spawning process's success. This study aimed to investigate how water turbidity affected the spawning process of gourami. Six ponds measuring 200 m2, classified into three categories based on turbidity levels (A. <100 NTU, B. 100 – 200 NTU, and C. >200 NTU), were monitored. Each category was replicated twice under Randomized Block Design. Parameters like spawning frequency, egg quantity, and quality were considered. The results indicated that ponds with a turbidity level of <100 NTU (with a brightness of 40-80 cm) yielded better results compared to those with 100 - 200 NTU turbidity levels (brightness of 20 - 40 cm). Conversely, ponds with >200 NTU turbidity level (brightness 10 cm) showed no signs of brood spawning. The result showed that Spawning Frequency was 83.33% (A), 61.90% (B), and 0% (C), Fecundity was 2975 eggs (A), 2795 eggs (B), and 0 egg (C), and Fertilization Rate 84.29% (A), 78.02 (B) and 0% (C). Hence, successful spawning of gourami requires water with turbidity levels below 200 NTU.