Development of seed mass production of snakehead (Channa striata) in Indonesia

Snakehead (Chana striata) has a strategic position in contributing to the national economy due to its albumin content which has been proven to have been used as biopharmaceutical for postoperative treatment. This has led to an increase in the exploitation of snakehead in nature which has depressed its population. The snakehead culture is the right step in supplying material demanded for biopharmaceutical industries. The success of the development of this snakehead culture requires support, among others, of the availability of sufficient seeds in number and time as well. This paper, therefore, discussed the strategy to develop seed mass production of snakehead in a controlled condition in Indonesia. The method used was a desk study, collecting published papers and personal observations related to snakehead hatchery. The data were analysed descriptively. The results of the study indicated that the bio-reproduction information of snakehead in nature can be used as a reference in the process of brood-stock management and larval culture under controlled conditions. Commercial and / or home-made fish diet containing protein of 38–42% can ripen gonads and spawn snakehead brooder using hormone stimulation in a hatchery. Water sources can use ground water and / or pipe that has been previously treated, especially setting the pH, alkalinity, hardness, and water temperature. Proper feeding strategies can increase the growth and production of snakehead fish seeds. This snakehead hatchery can be done both inside and outside its habitat.