Feeding regimes influence growth, survival, morphometric indicators, and water quality correlations in Betta splendens (Super Red Plakat strain) fry

ZULKISAM PRAMUDIA (Program of Aquaculture, Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Science, Universitas Brawijaya. Jl. Veteran Malang 65145, East Java, Indonesia)
AZFAR ISMAIL (Department of Aquaculture, Faculty of Agriculture, Universiti Putra Malaysia. 43400 Selangor, Malaysia)
MEGA ASRI RISQIANA (Coastal and Marine Science Research Center, Universitas Brawijaya. Jl. Veteran Malang 65145, East Java, Indonesia)
YUNITA MAIMUNAH (Program of Aquaculture, Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Science, Universitas Brawijaya. Jl. Veteran Malang 65145, East Java, Indonesia)
ANJAS SASANA BAHRI (Graduate School of Universitas Brawijaya. Jl. Veteran Malang 65145, East Java, Indonesia)
AGUS FERI SETIAWAN (Graduate School of Universitas Brawijaya. Jl. Veteran Malang 65145, East Java, Indonesia)
ANDI KURNIAWAN (Program of Aquatic Resources Management, Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Science, Universitas Brawijaya. Jl. Veteran Malang 65145, East Java, Indonesia)
TIA DWI IRAWANDANI (Department of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Agricultural Technology, Universitas Brawijaya. Jl. Veteran, Malang 65145, East Java, Indonesia)

Biodiversitas Journal of Biological Diversity
Vol. 27 No. 1 (2026)

Abstract. Pramudia Z, Ismail A, Risqiana MA, Maimunah Y, Bahri AS, Setiawan AF, Kurniawan A. 2026. Feeding regimes influence growth, survival, morphometric indicators, and water quality correlations in Betta splendens (Super Red Plakat strain) fry. Biodiversitas 27 (1): d270114. https://doi.org/10.13057/biodiv/d270114. The early larval stage is crucial for growth and survival in ornamental fish culture, yet feeding strategies for Betta splendens (Super Red Plakat strain) remain underexplored. This study evaluated the effects of five feeding regimes, comprising live prey and formulated diets on the morphometric growth and survival of B. splendens fry during a 28-day post-infusoria rearing period. Five dietary treatments: Artemia nauplii, Alona sp., Moina sp., Daphnia magna, and artificial pellets, with infusoria provided in all treatments during the first week. Survival rate (SR), total length (TL), and standard length (SL) were measured at the end of the experiment. Fry fed with Artemia nauplii and Moina sp. exhibited the highest survival (88-89%) and growth performance (TL up to 15.6 mm), while D. magna resulted in the lowest values. Statistical analysis confirmed significant differences among treatments. Water quality remained within optimal thresholds, ensuring reliable interpretation. Pearson correlation analysis showed strong positive associations among SR, TL, and SL, confirming that survival is closely linked to growth. Moderate correlations between DO and biological metrics suggest oxygen availability may indirectly influence performance. These findings highlight the importance of feed type and particle size compatibility with larval open-mouth for enhancing productivity in B. splendens hatchery practices. The use of Artemia or Moina during the post-infusoria stage can enhance hatchery yield by approximately 10-20%, providing practical guidance for sustainable B. splendens aquaculture and supporting SDG 14 (Life Below Water) through improved fry survival and responsible freshwater biodiversity management.