Investigation Effects of Methylene Blue Exposure on Behavior and Adsorption in Baramundi (Lates calcarifer)

Authors

  • Rizka Hidyati Biotechnology Study Program, Faculty of Life Sciences and Technology, Sumbawa University of Technology, NTB, Indonesia
  • Moh. Awaludin Adam Research Center for Marine Aquaculture, National Research and Innovation Agency, Lombok, NTB, Indonesia
  • Dwi Ariyanti Biotechnology Study Program, Faculty of Life Sciences and Technology, Sumbawa University of Technology, NTB, Indonesia
  • Joko Sumarwan Research Center for Marine Aquaculture, National Research and Innovation Agency, Lombok, NTB, Indonesia
  • Bejo Slamet Research Center for Marine Aquaculture, National Research and Innovation Agency, Lombok, NTB, Indonesia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51264/inajl.v6i2.91

Keywords:

Aquaculture, Behavior, Bioaccumulation, Lates calcarifer, Methylene Blue

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the effect of Methylene Blue (MB) exposure on the behavior and adsorption in the body of Baramundi (Lates calcarifer). The fish were kept for 28 days in aquariums with five levels of MB concentration (1-5 ppm) and one control group without exposure. The parameters observed included behavior, morphology, water quality, and MB concentration in the tissue through spectrophotometric analysis. The results showed a decrease in absorbance values in the 500–800 nm wavelength range in the treated fish compared to the control, indicating degradation or a reduction in MB concentration in the tissue. Water quality remained stable across all treatments, as indicated by relatively constant salinity, conductivity, salt content, pH, and ammonia values. Variations were only seen in lower Total Dissolved Solids (TDS)in some treatment aquariums and a decrease in phosphate compared to the control. Behaviorally, fish in the control group exhibited normal swimming activity, rapid response to feed, and stable social interactions. Meanwhile, fish exposed to MB, especially at higher concentrations, showed slower movements, decreased feeding responses, a tendency to remain at the bottom, and signs of mild stress. The treatment aquarium environment also appeared cleaner with minimal algae or other biota, unlike the control. Overall, the use of MB did not disrupt the stability of environmental quality but affected behavioral responses.

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Published

2025-11-11

Issue

Vol. 6 No. 2 (2025): Indonesian Journal of Limnology

Section

Articles

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Copyright (c) 2025 Rizka Hidyati, Moh. Awaludin Adam, Dwi Ariyanti, Joko Sumarwan, Bejo Slamet

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