Immunostimulatory effects of octopus ink extract on the hematological and immune responses of catfish (Clarias sp.) challenged with Aeromonas hydrophila

Rangga Idris Affandi; Fariq Azhar; Andre Rachmat Scabra; Nunik Cokrowati; Wastu Ayu Diamahesa; Nina Kharisma

doi:10.22034/ijab.v14i4.2829

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Rangga Idris Affandi
ranggaidrisaffandi@unram.ac.id
Aquaculture Study Program, Department of Fisheries and Marine Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Mataram, Mataram City, Indonesia.
Fariq Azhar Aquaculture Study Program, Department of Fisheries and Marine Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Mataram, Mataram City, Indonesia.
Andre Rachmat Scabra Aquaculture Study Program, Department of Fisheries and Marine Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Mataram, Mataram City, Indonesia.
Nunik Cokrowati Aquaculture Study Program, Department of Fisheries and Marine Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Mataram, Mataram City, Indonesia.
Wastu Ayu Diamahesa Aquaculture Study Program, Department of Fisheries and Marine Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Mataram, Mataram City, Indonesia.
Nina Kharisma Aquaculture Study Program, Department of Fisheries and Marine Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Mataram, Mataram City, Indonesia.

Vol. 14 No. 4 (2026): August

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August 4, 2026

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Catfish (Clarias sp.) cultivation is often challenged by bacterial infections caused by Aeromonas hydrophila, which can lead to Motile Aeromonas Septicemia (MAS). The excessive use of antibiotics can lead to antibiotic resistance and residues, creating a need for natural immunostimulants. Octopus ink, a byproduct of the fisheries industry rich in bioactive compounds, shows potential as a sustainable alternative. This study evaluated the effectiveness of octopus ink extract in enhancing the immune response and survival of catfish against A. hydrophila. The experiment used a Completely Randomized Design with four treatments: control (no extract) and feed supplemented with octopus ink extract at 50, 100, and 150 ml/kg, each replicated three times. A total of 240 catfish (6-7 cm) were reared for 28 days, fed according to treatment, and challenged with A. hydrophila (10⁸ CFU/ml) by immersion. Measured parameters included erythrocyte and leukocyte counts, leukocyte differential, hematocrit, and survival rate (SR). The results showed that octopus ink extract significantly improved hematological parameters and survival. The 150 ml/kg dose yielded the best results: erythrocytes 2.4×10⁶ cells/mm³, leukocytes 5.78×10⁴ cells/mm³, lymphocytes 89%, hematocrit 33.8%, and SR 88.3%. Thus, octopus ink extract effectively enhances catfish immunity and survival against A. hydrophila, supporting its use in sustainable aquaculture.

Affandi, R. I., Azhar, F., Scabra, A. R., Cokrowati, N., Diamahesa, W. A., & Kharisma, N. (2026). Immunostimulatory effects of octopus ink extract on the hematological and immune responses of catfish (Clarias sp.) challenged with Aeromonas hydrophila. International Journal of Aquatic Biology, 14(4), 136–149. https://doi.org/10.22034/ijab.v14i4.2829

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