Diversity and some life traits of shrimps of Cameroon’s coastline

Abstract

Between the 18 May and 12 July 2015, with the aim of studying the bio-characterisation of prawn species of the coast of Cameroon, a total of 200 prawns collected fresh from the different fishing zones, were weighted and measured. Along this coast, 05 species were identified (Nematopalaemon hastatus, Parapenaeopsis atlantica, Penaeus duorarum notialis, Penaeus kerathurus, and Penaeus monodon). The stocked obtained reveal that Parapenaeopsis atlantica, Penaeus kerathurus and Penaeus monodon are endangered and Penaeus duorarum notialis is overexploited. The prawns were smaller than the 26 cm recommended for consumption except for the small prawn Nematopalaemon hastatus which were larger, indicating their under exploitation. The marine prawns registered a condition K factor of less than 1, indicating the high stress under gone by the prawns in their natural medium. High and positive correlations exist between the morphometric characteristics of prawns. Shrimps recorded isometric growth, positive and negative allometrics growth.