Lenght - weight relationship and condition factor of Macrobrachium vollenhovenii and Macrobrachium felicinum in Akor River, Ibere region, Abia state, Nigeria

Abstract

The length-weight relationship and condition factor of Macrobrachium felicinum and Macrobrachium vollenhovenii were studied for January 2013 to December 2014, in Akor River, in Ibere region, Abia State, Nigeria. The length-weight relationship was estimated using linear regression at α= 0.05.The condition factor of the prawns were estimated from Fulton’s condition factor. Result of the length- weight distribution of the two species showed normal distribution at the three stations. The class size for the length of the two species ranged from 6.6-7-6cm and 12.1-13.1cm while the weight ranged from 70-79g and 130-139g. Regression analysis revealed that the length and weight of both species Macrobrachium species females and males correlated positively, it ranged from (R= 0.8044* - 0.9856*). Regression coefficient (b) was recorded as 10.74, 4.98 and 4.37 for Macrobrachium felicinum males, females and combined sex respectively, while (b) was recorded as 7.022, 7.10 and 7.1 for Macrobrachium vollenhovenii males, females and combined sex respectively. The overall average condition factor for all the species was 4.18. Study therefore concludes that Akor River remains a healthy medium for the culture of prawn species and recommend that aqua culturists should take advantage of the blossom aquatic environment to improve prawn production.