Asian Journal of Aquatic Sciences
Vol. 9 No. 2 (2026): August

DIETARY SUPPLEMENTATION WITH BILLYGOAT-WEED (Ageratum conyzoides L.) LEAF MEAL: EFFECTS ON THE GROWTH PERFORMANCE AND SURVIVAL OF SNAKEHEAD FISH (Channa striata)

Nur Ikhlas Syuhada (Department of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Riau
Center for Peatland and Disaster Studies, LPPM Universitas Riau)

Ronal Kurniawan (Department of Aquaculture, Faculty of Fisheries and Marine, Universitas Riau
Center for Peatland and Disaster Studies, LPPM Universitas Riau)

Rodhi Firmansyah (Department of Aquaculture, Faculty of Fisheries and Marine, Universitas Riau)
Windarti Windarti (Department of Aquatic Resources Management, Faculty of Fisheries and Marine, Universitas Riau)
Pebri Nanda Perdana (Department of Aquaculture, Faculty of Fisheries and Marine, Universitas Riau)
Okta Rizal Karsih (Department of Aquaculture, Faculty of Fisheries and Marine, Universitas Riau)



Article Info

Publish Date
25 Aug 2026

Abstract

Channa striata (snakehead fish) is a fishery commodity of high economic and medicinal value, yet a relatively slow growth rate constrains its culture. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of billygoat-weed (Ageratum conyzoides L.) leaf meal supplementation in feed on growth, feed efficiency, and survival of snakehead fish. The study used a one-factor Completely Randomized Design with four dose treatments (0, 5, 10, and 15 g/kg feed) and three replicates. Snakehead fingerlings measuring 6.00±1 cm were reared for 30 days and fed ad satiation. The results showed that the addition of billygoat-weed leaf meal affected absolute weight gain, specific growth rate, feed efficiency, and feed conversion ratio (p<0.05). The dose of 5 g/kg feed produced the best performance, with an absolute weight gain of 3.19±0.37 g, specific growth rate of 1.61±0.21%/day, feed efficiency of 161.85±14.99%, and FCR of 0.62±0.05, indicating that 5 g/kg feed is the optimal dose in snakehead fish feed and reflecting a hormetic response pattern at higher doses. The survival rate remained high across all treatments (93.33–98.33%), indicating the ingredient's safety up to the highest dose tested. In conclusion, billygoat-weed leaf meal has potential as a phytoadditive to enhance the growth performance of snakehead fish.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

ajoas

Publisher

Subject

Agriculture, Biological Sciences & Forestry

Description

Asian Journal Of Aquatic Sciences is a journal publishes scientific articles from research by lecturers and other researchers in the waters sector. Focusing on aspects of aquatic ecology for the use of this habitat as an ecosystem for producing food (fisheries and agriculture) and its function for ...