Reproductive Performance and Early Larval Development of the Royal Whiptail Catfish Sturisoma panamense in Captive Conditions

Abstract

The royal whiptail catfish Sturisoma panamense is a high-value ornamental freshwater species with increasing market demand but limited standardized aquaculture protocols. This study aimed to evaluate breeding performance, larval and juvenile rearing management, and business feasibility of S. panamense cultured at Tetra Aquaria Farm, Sukabumi, West Java, over a 45-day period. Broodstock (1.5 years old) were maintained in glass aquaria (100 × 50 × 40 cm) at a male-to-female ratio of 1:2 and fed frozen bloodworms twice daily. Spawning occurred naturally without hormonal induction, with males exhibiting parental care. A total of 1,481 eggs were produced across spawning events, with an average fecundity of 296 eggs per spawning. The mean fertilization rate and hatching rate were 96.6% and 94.8%, respectively, exceeding previously reported values. Larvae were reared in plastic trays at a density of 25 individuals per container and fed a spirulina-enriched paste diet. The average survival rate during the 14-day larval phase reached 90.4%. Juveniles were subsequently reared in styrofoam boxes until reaching a market size of 4–5 cm, fed chopped Tubifex sp., and maintained under optimal temperature conditions (23–26°C). White spot disease Ichthyophthirius multifiliis was controlled through preventive salt application and routine sanitation. Economic analysis indicated total annual revenue of IDR 43,520,000 with a profit of IDR 6,412,620, an R/C ratio of 1.17, a break-even point of 4,585 units, and a payback period of 1.7 years. These results demonstrate that standardized breeding and rearing management can enhance reproductive success and confirm the technical and economic feasibility of royal whiptail catfish hatchery operations.