Effects of maggot meal substitution and papain enzyme supplementation on the growth performance of Puntigrus tetrazona (Bleeker, 1855)

Ornamental fish aquaculture requires cost-effective, high-protein feeds. This study evaluated the effects of maggot meal substitution combined with papain enzyme supplementation on the growth performance of Sumatra barb, Puntigrus tetrazona (Bleeker, 1855). Fish were reared under four dietary treatments with varying levels of maggot meal and papain supplementation. Growth performance was assessed based on length, weight gain, specific growth rate, survival rate, and feed conversion ratio. The results showed that dietary treatments significantly affected growth performance parameters (p < 0.05), except for survival rate (p > 0.05). The treatment with 40% maggot meal and 1% papain supplementation produced the best overall growth performance and feed efficiency. These findings suggest that maggot meal combined with papain enzyme can be an effective alternative protein source for improving growth performance in P. tetrazona culture.