ANALYSIS OF LENGTH-WEIGHT RELATIONSHIP OF TILAPIA (Oreochromis niloticus) FRY AS GROWTH BIOINDICATOR DURING THE EARLY CULTIVATION STAGE

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the length-weight relationship of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) seeds, specifically black tilapia and red tilapia, as growth bioindicators during the early rearing stage. The length-weight relationship was analyzed using an allometric model, along with a comparison of absolute and specific growth rates between the two varieties. The research was conducted at the UPTD Fish Seed Center in Bontang City, East Kalimantan, with the seeds being reared for 30 days in tarpaulin ponds. The results showed that black tilapia had a stronger length-weight relationship compared to red tilapia, with a negative allometric growth pattern observed in both varieties. Black tilapia exhibited higher absolute growth rates, while red tilapia had a higher specific growth rate. The feed conversion ratio (FCR) indicated better feed efficiency in red tilapia. This study is expected to serve as a reference for the management of tilapia farming, particularly in the seed stage, by considering the differences in strain and feed utilization efficiency.