The Effect of Trash Fish Feed on the Quality and Organoleptic Characteristics of Mud Crab (Scylla serrata) Meat After 15 Days of Fattening

Pengaruh Pakan Rucah Terhadap Mutu Dan Organoleptik Daging Kepiting Bakau (Scylla Serrata) Pasca 15 Hari Penggemukan

Abstract

Rucah is a local term for fish caught by fishermen with low economic value. The use of several types of trash fish is effective and efficient in the mud crab fattening process to produce good quality and taste of crab meat. The research aims to identify and compare several types of trash fish used as natural feed for fattening mud crabs on the quality and taste of crab meat. The crabs tested came from fishermen's catches, weighing between 150 – 160 grams per head, which have been determined to be skinny crabs and must be fattened before being sold. The types of trash fish tested were: tilapia (Tilapia mossambica), keting (Ketengus ketengus), and mullet (Mugil cephalus). Test location in traditional pond plots in Sidoarjo district. The crabs tested were raised in closed plastic containers placed at the bottom of the pond, for 15 days with the same weight of feed being given. The results show that there is no significant difference in the quality and taste of crab meat. The taste of crab remains very prominent even though qualitatively the panelists think there are differences in natural taste, however preferences are subjective according to the tastes of each consumer. Trash fish has proven to be very effective in producing crab meat that is dense, white, soft, and has a very strong aroma.