Identifikasi Rumput Laut yang di Budidaya di Perairan Sulamu, Kabupaten Kupang, Nusa Tenggara Timur

Abstract

The coastal waters of Sulamu, Kupang Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, hold significant potential for seaweed aquaculture, yet taxonomic certainty and morphological characterization remain essential to explore. This study aims to identify cultivated seaweed species, describe their morphological traits, and evaluate the physical-chemical parameters at the cultivation sites. Sampling was conducted using a purposive sampling method across active farming locations in Sulamu waters. The results revealed two main species from the Phylum Rhodophyta being cultivated: Kappaphycus alvarezii (Cottonii) and Eucheuma denticulatum (Spinosum). K. alvarezii is characterized by smooth, fleshy cylindrical thalli with irregular branching patterns lacking sharp spines, exhibiting colors from green to reddish-brown due to light adaptation. Conversely, E. denticulatum features smaller thalli with distinct spines arranged in whorls along the branches. Water quality measurements indicated temperature ranging between 27.5 - 29.8 °C, salinity of 32 - 34 ppt, pH of 7.8 - 8.1, and current speeds of 22 - 35 cm/s. All environmental parameters fall within the optimal range to support seaweed growth and productivity. This study confirms that Sulamu coastal waters are highly suitable for sustainable seaweed cultivation based on clear species identification.

Keywords: Eucheuma denticulatum, Identification, Kappaphycus alvarezii, Morphology, Sulamu.