Page 53 - 《渔业研究》2026年第1期

50 渔 业 研 究 第 48 卷

Optimization of sheet feed binder in suspension cages culture and its effect on
feeding behavior of Stichopus monotuberculatus

4
DENG Guoqing 1,2,3 ，HUANG Lianghua 1,2,3 ，LI Xinzheng ，MENG Yaowen 1,2,3 ，WANG Hui 1,2,3 ，MI Shunli 1,2,3*
(1. Institute of Marine Drugs, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning 530200, China;
2. Guangxi Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning 530200, China;
3. Engineering Research Center for Efficient Utilization of Marine Chinese Medicinal Resources of Guangxi Higher Education
Institutions, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning 530200, China;
4. Napo County Aquatic Technology Promotion Station, Baise 533900, China)

Abstract: [Background] Stichopus monotuberculatus, a tropical sea cucumber species, has attracted signific-
ant attention due to its high nutritional value and medicinal properties. However, to date, no studies have invest-
igated the potential of suspension cage aquaculture for this species. Suspension cage farming is one of the most
important methods in sea cucumber aquaculture, but its unique structural design often leads to feed loss, which
can significantly impact the surrounding aquatic environment. This issue underscores the necessity of investigat-
ing innovative solutions to improve feed efficiency. For instance, studying the incorporation of binding agents
into feed formulations to produce appropriately shaped sheet-like feed could play a crucial role in altering feed
properties. Furthermore, understanding how such modifications influence the feeding behavior and movement
patterns of S. monotuberculatus becomes essential for optimizing both the growth performance of the species
and the sustainability of the suspension farming system. [Objective] The present study investigated the effects
of different binders on the stability, palatability, and feeding behavior of sheet feed for the suspension cage
aquaculture of S. monotuberculatus, in order to select the most suitable binder for sheet feed used in the cage
farming of S. monotuberculatus. [Methods] In the basic feed, 0.5% xanthan gum, sodium alginate, carrageen-
an and cassava starch binder were added to make sheet feed as the experimental feed of the four treatment
groups, and the basic feed without adding any binder to make sheet feed was used as the control feed. This study
compared the binding performance (including type preservation ability and dissolution loss rate) of different
binders, as well as their effects on the feeding behavior and growth of S. monotuberculatus. [Results] Both
xanthan gum and sodium alginate could significantly improve the type preservation ability and reduce the dis-
solution loss rate of sheet feed (P<0.05). Both carrageenan and cassava starch improved the shape retention abil-
ity of sheet feed and also reduced the dissolution loss rate of the feed, but there was no significant difference
compared with the control. The cumulative residence time of S. monotuberculatus was significantly decreased
by sheet feed in the four treatment groups (P<0.05). The sodium alginate group did not significantly change the
cumulative exercise distance and cumulative exercise time of S. monotuberculatus. The cumulative exercise dis-
tance of S. monotuberculatus was significantly increased by the sheet feed of carrageenan group and cassava
starch group (P<0.05). Xanthan gum group significantly decreased the cumulative exercise time of S. monotuber-
culatus (P<0.05). After the experiment, the body mass of S. monotuberculatus increased the most in sodium al-
ginate group and the least in xanthan gum group. [Conclusion] Sodium alginate significantly enhanced the wa-
ter resistance of sheet feed without markedly affecting the cumulative movement distance or duration of S. mono-
tuberculatus. Notably, this treatment group demonstrated superior growth effect among all experimental groups.
Therefore, sodium alginate was recommended as the binder for sheet feed. [Significance] The results of this
study not only provide data support for the development of sheet feed for hanging cage culture of S. monotuber-
culatus, but also provide a new idea for the research of breeding technology of S. monotuberculatus.
Key words: Stichopus monotuberculatus; sheet feed; binder; stability; exercise feeding behavior