Journal of Animal and Plant Sciences
J. Anim. Plant Sci. [ISSN 2071 - 7024]
Volume 5 (3): 544 - 549. Published January 25, 2010.
Biology of two freshwater prawns (Palaeomonetes africanus and Demoscaris bislineata) from the MU River, Nigeria
Okayi Gabriel*; Ataguba,Gabriel and Nyishagba Orinembe
*Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture University of Agriculture, P.M.B 2373, Makurdi Nigeria.
*Correspondence author: rgokayi@yahoo.com
SUMMARY
Length – weight parameters (a and b) of the equation W=aLb of the Length – Weight Relationship (LWR) were estimated for two freshwater prawns Palaeomonetes africanus and Demoscaris bislineata caught bimonthly using brush traps in the MU River, Fiidi – Makurdi. The mean b values (exponent of the equation) were estimated as 2.1942 ± 0.2198 and 1.7962 ± 0.2283 for P. africanus and D. bislineata, respectively. The values of b for these species are less than 3, showing that their growth was negative allometry. The condition factors for these species were 1.72 ± 0.093 for P. africanus and 1.67 ± 0.091 for D. bislineata. This suggests that P. africanus is in a better condition than D. bislineata given their respective weights and lengths. The most likely candidate for culture is P. africanus which has a higher b value and was in better condition as reported.
Key words: Abundance, growth, condition, River Mu, freshwater prawns.
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