Fisheries production. (Jaar) 2020 volume 8, number 1

178
Journal of Applied Agricultural Research 2020, 8(1): 178-184
ISSN 2006-750X
@ Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria, 2020
ASPECTS OF REPRODUCTIVE BIOLOGY OF MACROBRACHIUM FELICINUM
IN THE LOWER RIVER BENUE, MAKURDI, NIGERIA
OBETTA, C., APOCHI, J. O.
*Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria, P.M.B 5026, Wuse Abuja
*okworcharity@yahoo.com, +2348026596729
ABSTRACT
One hundred and one (101) specimens of prawn, Macrobrachium felicinum were collected from
Lower River Benue from January to August 2012 using non-return valves.Thirty(30) of the
prawns were berried females and were examined for fecundity. Morphometric and merismetic
features were measured as well. It was found that M. felicinum occurred mostly in July and
August. The prawns exhibit sexual dimorphism such as larger size of male than female, presence
of groove on the abdominal region of female, presence of knob which could be felt on the ventral
abdominal region in male, numerous thread-like setea on the pleopods of female and presence of
appendix masculina on the second pleopod of male. Sex ratio was found to be 1:4 (M:F). Mean
total length was5.68±0.10cm, mean carapace length was 2.39±0.05cm, and mean weight was
3.21±0.21g.Condition factor ranged from 0.47 to 3.08. Fecundity estimate ranged from 59 to
33,680. Gonadosomatic index ranged from 5 to 28%. It was concluded that M. felicinum is
seasonal in the Lower River Benue can be considered a good aquaculture species, as the parent
stock is readily available.
INTRODUCTION
Almost all the freshwater prawns that have
been used in aquaculture and associated
experiments belong to the genus
Macrobrachium. The genus is one of the most
challenging decapod crustacean groups to
describe (Chace and Bruce, 1993) due to the
great similarities possessed by these
freshwater prawns. It is the largest genus of
the family Palaemonidae, superfamily
Palaemonoidea, infra-order Caridea, order
Decapoda, suborder Pleocyemata. About 230
species of macrobrachium have been
described so far (Fransen and De Grave, pers.
comm. 2008). Species of the genus
Macrobrachium are found in almost all types
of freshwater habitats and estuarine
environments including lakes, rivers, swamps,
irrigation ditches, canals and ponds (New,
2002; Valencia) and along the Atlantic Coast.
They are a remarkably successful group both
in number of living species and in the
colonization of varied habitats. Although
members of this genus are commonly referred
to as ‘freshwater’ prawns, some are entirely
restricted to estuaries and many require
marine influence during development (New,
2000). The most common prawn species
found in Nigerian rivers are Macrobrachium
species (Bello-Olusoji et al. 2004). Powell
(1983) mentioned three important species of
freshwater prawn that dominate Nigerian
inland water as Macrobranchium felicinum
(Niger River prawn), Macrobranchium
vollenhovenii (African River Prawn) and
Macrobranchium macrobranchion (Brackish
River prawn). M. felicinum have been found

Obetta et al., 2020
179
in large white water rivers, both with sandy
and rocky bottoms, at least as far inland as
Kainji (River Niger), Federal Capital
Territory (Abuja area) and Makurdi (River
Benue) (Powell, 1983).
Many body structures of prawns show clear
morphological differences in both meristic
and metric aspects as a result of sexual
dimorphism (Hartnoll, 1985). Bauer (2004)
observed that sexual dimorphism in body size
and weaponry in carideans such as M.
felicinum is highly dependent on the mating
system. Correa and Thiel (2003) and Bauer et
al. 2014) added that Species in which males
are significantly larger than females and
possess hypertrophied weaponry (chelipeds,
third maxillipeds) are characterized by mating
systems that include fighting for or defense of
females, and/or maintenance of grounds or
other resources important for female
reproductive success. In contrast, the selective
pressures have led to smaller males and larger
females in species in which the males do not
guard the females (Correa and Thiel,
2003; Bauer, 2004).
Females exhibit a typical broodchamber
formed by the first, second and third
abdominal pleurae. The pleura of the
abdomen are lower and broader in the female
than in the male bauer and Thiel (2011). New
and Singholka (1982) reported that genital
pores are found between the bases of the fifth
walking leg for males and at the base of the
third walking legs for female. And male
possesses appendix masculina, a spinous
process adjacent to the appendix interna on the
endopod of the second pleopod (Martínez-
Mayén and Román-Contreras 2000). There is
presence of central lump on the ventral side of
the first abdominal somite in male whereas
this feature is absent in female (Sandifer and
Smith, 1985). Some authors have observed
varieties of fecundity in different species of
prawns: M. acanthurus (mean fecundity
18,000 eggs) (Valenti et al. 1989), M.
carcinus, and M. rosenbergii (between 80,000
and 100,000 eggs) (Silva et al. 2004). Egg size
has various interrelated ecological
implications that may influence the following:
1) size of the species at sexual maturity, 2)
timing of juveniles release, 3) number of egg
masses produced per unit of time, 4) number
of eggs per clutch, 5) stage of development,
and 6) juvenile’s size when released into the
environment (Scaico, 1992).
Prawns of the genus Macrobrachuim and
Penaeus are highly cherished. They are used
as condiments in the preparation of food
because of their high protein value (Powell,
1983). They are highly priced and are in high
demand in the market. Proshare (2018)
reported that shrimps and prawns are
Nigeria’s third largest agricultural export. and
many Nigerians are gainfully employed in the
areas of prawn and shrimp capture, production
and processes (FAO, 2008). The aspects of
prawn biology in the Nigerian fresh and
brackish aquatic ecosystem has been generally
reported by Holthius (1980), Powell (1983),
Anetekhai (1986) and Ayoola,et al.;(2009)
but not much was mentioned about
Macrobrachium felicinum possibly due to
lack of information on the species. This study
on some aspects of reproductive biology of M.
felicinum in Lower River Benue, Makurdi is a
contribution to existing knowledge in the
biology of prawns.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The study area, Lower River Benue, Makurdi,
is located on latitude 7˚ 55' and 7 56' North of
equator and longitude 8˚20' and 8˚ 40' East of
the Greenwich meridian. River Benue (figure
1) originates from Adamawa hills and flows
from the Southern part of Cameroon through

Aspects of Reproductive Biology of Macrobrachium Felicinum
180
Makurdi and Southwards to Lokoja where it
forms a confluence with River Niger. At bank
full, the area of Lower River Benue is about
129,000 hectares with as much as 25m
difference between high and low water levels.
A total of one hundred and one (101)
specimens of M. felicinum were collected
from catch statistics from fishermen from
January to August 2016, using various gears
such as drag net; “Gula” in tiv language or
“Mari” in Hausa and Jukun Languages (with
unknown English name); and unbaited local
non-return set trap, “Ahina” in Tiv language.
The collected specimens were transported live
to the fisheries laboratory, University of
Agriculture, Makurdi in icebox containing
water. The prawns were identified to the
species level, using keys provided by
Anetekhai (1990). The sexes were determined
with the aid of specific morphological features
that were peculiar to male and females of the
prawns. The features used were appendix
masculina, reproductive chamber and nubs on
the first abdominal segment as adopted and
demonstrated by Anetekhai (1990). The total
length (cm) was measured, using a meter rule
as the distance from the tip of the telson to the
tip of the dorsal teeth; carapace length (cm)
was measured with the aid of a meter rule as
the distance from the tip of the rostrum to the
end of the carapace. The total body weight (g)
was taken using a top loading electronic
Metler balance (Model 59174) to the nearest
gram. Abdominal length (cm) was measured
as the distance between distal extremity of
rostrum and the medium point of posterior
part of carapace. Carapace diameter was
measured as the distance between lateral
margin of cephalothorax. Condition factor
was calculated using the equation of Fulton’s
condition factor (Ricker, 1975).
K=
100w
L3
Where K= condition factor, L= Standard
length (cm), W= Weight (g).
The total number in each female was
estimated by galvametric method described
by Bagenal and Braum (1978).
Gonadosomatic Index was determined using
equation:
Gonad weight
Body weight
The relationships between morphometric
measurements were established using
regression analysis. All statistical inferences
were based on a significant level of 0.05.
Figure 1: Map Showing the Site for Sample Collection, Lower River Benue, Makurdi
(Modified from Obaje, 2009).
100XGSI
=
(Bagenal, 1987)

Obetta et al., 2020
181
RESULTS
Out of 101 specimens of M. felicinum
encountered from January toAugust 2012, 81
were females while 20 were males. This
shows an evidence of polygamy as indicated
by a sex ratio of 4 females to one male
(Table1). The morphometric parameters and
condition factor of berried M. felicinumare is
presented in Table 2. The fecundity ranged
from 59 to 33,680 ( 4754±1313); egg
diameter, 0. 60 – 0.97mm ( 0.73 ±
0.0171mm); Abdominal length, 1.50 – 2.60cm
( 1.99 ± 0.0485); weight, 1.3 – 3.1g ( 2.06
±0.0971); total length, 4.40 – 5.9cm ( 4.96 ±
0.0676); carapace length, 1.40 – 2.90
cm(2.093 ± 0.0507); and the condition factor,
1.04 – 2.53 ( 1.67 ± 0.0531). Regression
analyses revealed correlation between most of
the morphometric parameters. However, no
correlation was found between body weight
and fecundity, and total length and fecundity.
River Benue exhibited a high degree of sexual
differentiation. The males were larger in size
than the females; ventral view of the first
abdominal segment of the male had a knob,
which could be felt when touched with finger.
There was no such lump in the female’s
abdominal region. The pleopods of the female
had numerous threads - like setae for
attachment of eggs during the breeding
season. The male also had a feature called
appendix masculina and appendix interna in
the second pleopod while it is only appendix
interna that was present in the pleopod of the
female. The female prawn was also
recognized by the presence of groove on the
abdominal segment where the eggs were
carried. The gonadosomatic index is the
amount of body weight used for egg
production by the female. The mean
gonadosomatic index (GSI) calculated for M.
felicinum females varied from 5-28.62%
(Appendix 8) with the mean value of
16.6±1.03
Table 1: Sex Ratio of M. felicinum caught from Lower River Benue (July and August 2012)
Month Total no. of
Male
Total no. of
Female
Total Catch Sex Ratio (M:F)
July 15 48 63 1:3
August 1 33 34 1:33
Table 2: Morphometric Parameters and Condition Factor of Berried Female M. mfelicinum from
Lower River Benue (July, 2012)
Table 2: Morphometric Parameters and Condition Factor of Berried Female M. mfelicinum from
Lower River Benue (July, 2012)
Min. Max. Mean Std. Deviation
Fecundity 59.43 33680.00 4754.33 7195.45
Egg Diameter (mm) 0.60 0.97 0.73 0.09
Abdominal Length (cm) 1.50 2.60 1.99 0.27
Weight (g) 1.30 3.10 2.06 0.53
Total Length (cm) 4.40 5.90 4.96 0.37
Carapace Length (cm) 1.40 2.90 2.09 0.28
Condition Factor (K) 1.04 2.53 1.66 0.29
Gonadosomatic Index 5.00 28.00 16.1033 5.63649

182
DISCUSSION
The sex ratio of 4:1 female:male shows an
evidence of polygamy. It could mean that this
area is a breeding ground and mostly, berried
female come here to spawn. It could equally
be due to their behavior during breeding
season when females actively search for
males, which are territorial. Anetekhai (2002)
reported similar observation for M.
vollenhovenii in Asejire Lake and attributed it
to vulnerability of females during breeding
season when female actively search for male.
It is suspected that the M. felicinum breeds in
July and August, since the specimens caught
were mainly females, which were either
berried or spent. Fecundity in Macrobrachium
prawns is very variable. The highest fecundity
in species of this genus was observed in
Macrobrachium rosenbergii and
Macrobrachium carcinus, where females
could lay between 80,000 and 100,000 eggs in
a spawn, when they are fully mature (Ismael
and New 2000). Valentiet al. (1986, 1989)
observed Macrobrachium acanthurus females
hatch about 18,000 eggs; Shokita, cited by
Scaico (1992) observed females with 13,600
eggs while da Silva et al. (2004) recorded 697
and 1,690 as the lowest and highest number of
eggs respectively for Macrobrachium
amazonicu. In this study, M. felicinum,
presented a lower fecundity than
Macrobrachium rosenbergii and M. carcinus.
However, it has higher fecundity than M.
acanthurus; M. amozonicu; Macrobrachium
shokitai, whose fecundity is lower than 60
eggs; and Macrobrachium jelski with absolute
fecundity lower than 200 eggs (Scaico, 1992).
Compared to the fecundity of Atya gabonensis
as recorded by Obande et al. (2009) in the
Lower River Benue, M. felicinum is more
fecund. Prawns of macrobrachium genus are
averagely more fecund than other freshwater
prawns (Anetekhai 1990). The lack of
correlation observed between fecundity and
weight and fecunsity and length was also
observed by Courtney et al. (1996), who
reported on the decline in number of eggs with
an increase in the size of Penaeus plebejus and
found that this could possibly be due to
ovarian senescence in large (old) females. M.
felicinum in the Lower. M .felicinum is a
freshwater species and can compete with M.
vollehenveni for recruitment into freshwater
aquaculture. Lower River Benue, when water
level is high, from July to August, is suitable
for collection of broodstock of M. felicinum
for commercial farming. The exploitation and
subsequent culture of M. felicinum could
reduce over dependence on finfishes and also
enhance the nutritional intake and income of
the local fishermen and the community.
Further investigation on the occurrence, life
cycle, growth and habitat of native prawn
species such as M. felicinum is important in
order to develop appropriate technology for
culture in Nigeria.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria
(ARCN) provided sponsorship for this
research.
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Journal of applied Agricultural Research 2020, 8(1): 185-194
ISSN 2006-750X
@ Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria, 2020
LENGTH -WEIGHT RELATIONSHIP AND CONDITION FACTOR OF THE FRESHWATER
PRAWN ATYA GABONENSIS (GIEBEL, 1875) FROM RIVER NIGER, JEBBA, NIGERIA
Obetta C., Obande R.A., Cheikyula J.O., and Solomon S.G.
*1Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria, P.M.B 5026, Wuse Abuja
2Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, University of Agriculture, P.M.B.2373 Makurdi
okworcharity@yahoo.com, +2348026596729
ABSTRACT
The length-weight relationship and condition factor (K) of freshwater prawn, Atya gabonensis (Giebel, 1875)
from Niger River, at Jebba, was investigated from January to December 2016. A total of one thousand,
three hundred and seventy (1 370) samples of A. gabonensis were collected under rocks and crevices by
the aide of fishermen. The specimens were transported to the laboratory on ice. Length-weight relationship
revealed “b” value ranging from 1.918 – 2.064, thereby suggesting a negative allometric growth pattern for
A. gabonesis. There was a strong positive correlation between length and weight of males, females and
combined sexes. Total length and weight showed significant difference in all the months, condition factor
ranged from 2.63±0.08 in May to 3.84±0.36 in December. The mean K values were 3.08 ± 0.08 and 3.09
± 0.07 for males and females respectively and had no significant difference (p<0.05). Water quality ranged
from 5.9 – 9.8 mg/L for dissolved oxygen; 5.6 – 8.9 for pH; 20.6 – 32.2 ⁰C for temperature; 95 – 150 µ/Scm
for conductivity; 12 -28 mg/L for alkalinity; 48 – 76 ppm total dissolved solids; 0.1 – 0.5 mg/L ammonia;
and 3.6 – 6.2 mg/L for BOD.
Keywords: Allometric growth, correlation, sex ratio, water quality
INTRODUCTION
Atya is a genus of freshwater prawn of
the family Atyidae, ranging through
the Antilles and along the Atlantic and Pacific
slopes of Central and South America and in
western Africa (Hobbs and Hart, 1982). One
of the 430 species of this genus is Atya
gabonensis (Giebel, 1875), which was first
reported in Gabon. De Grave and Mantelatto
(2013) reported that A. gabonensis was found
in Brazil, Cameroon, Congo, The Democratic
Republic of the Gabon, Ghana, Liberia, Mali,
Nigeria, Sao Tomé and Principe (Sâo Tomé),
Senegal, Suriname, Venezuela and Bolivarian
Republic of (Venezuela (mainland). In
Nigeria, A. gabonensis has been reported to
occur in the main Nigerian rivers andtheir
tributaries (Reed et al. 1967). Motwani and
Kanwai (1970) reported the occurrence of this
prawn in the coffer- dammed right channel of
River Niger. It has been found to occur in
great abundance in Lower Benue River as
well (Powel, 1983). A. gabonensis has several
common names such as African Fan Shrimp,
African Filter Shrimp, African Giant Shrimp,
Vampire Shrimp, Blue Rhino Shrimp, Gabon
Shrimp, and Cameroon Fan Shrimp (Nwosu,
2000). It has been described in considerable
details by Giebel (1875) and Bouvier (1904)
as the most beautiful and largest species
belonging to genus atya. Its size has been
reported to range from 45mm to 138mm
(Bouvier 1904)

Length -Weight Relationship and Condition Factor of The Freshwater Prawn Atya Gabonensis
186
Many authors have reported the length-weight
relationship and condition factor among
sexes, species, seasons, and sites for both wild
and cultured populations of prawns. Alexis et
al., (2005) reported length-weight relationship
for Penaeus kerathurus in the East Ionian Sea
(Western Greece); Okayi and Iorkyaa (2004)
reported for A. gabonensis in River Benue in
Makurdi, Nigeria; Yakubu and Ansa (2007)
reported for P. indicus and P. monodon in
Buguma creek, Niger Delta Nigeria; that for
P. monodon cultured in Pichavaram
mangroves (Thailand) was reported by
Gopalakrishna et al.,2015; while that of P.
atlantica in the coastal waters of Ondo State
was reported by Olawusi et al. 2014.
Prawn is of great economic importance. It is a
very important export commodity and the
most valuable fishery product export in
Nigeria (Chemonics, 2002; FAO, 2008).
Shrimps and prawns and their products are the
second most important commodity export of
Nigeria after petroleum, and many Nigerians
are gainfully employed in the areas of prawn
and shrimp capture, production and processes
(FAO, 2008).
Some studies have been carried out on the
biology of A. gabonensis (Solomon et al.,
1999; Obande and Kusemiju 2006; and Okayi
et al., 2010) inthe BenueRiver but not much
research has been conducted on the same
species in the Jebba River. This study aims to
provide information on the length weight
relation and condition factor of A. gabonensis
in the Niger River Jebba, Nigeria. The result
of this study could be compared with that of
Okayi et al., (2010) in the Lower Benue River,
to know how this species is doing in both
rivers.
MATERIALS AND METHOD
Study Area
River Niger in Jebba is located on latitude 9°
35` and 9° 50` N and longitude 9° 30` and 5°
00` E. Apart from fishing and livestock
activities, the River is also used for hydro
electrical, irrigational and navigational
purposes.
Sample Collection
Specimens of A. gabonensis were collected
under rocks and crevices in the water by
fishermen. The collected specimens were
transported live to the fisheries laboratory of
the University of Agriculture’s Makurdi
laboratory on ice, where identification to the
species level were carried out using the keys
provided by Powell (1983).
Measurements of total body length and body
weight
The total body length was measured, using a
meter rule (cm) as described by Yungdong et
al., (2016) as the distance from the tip of the
telson to the tip of the dorsal teeth on the
rostrum. The total body weight (g) was taken
using a top loading electronic Metler balance
(Model 59174).
Length – Weight Relationship
Regression analysis was done between
weight (W) and total length (TL) and the
scattergrams plotted according to the model
of Stooldley et al. (1980). This plot is best
described by the formula: Logy = a+b logx
Where
y = weight of prawn (W);
a = regression constant (intercept on the Y-
axis);
b = regression coefficient; and
x = total length of prawn (TL
Condition factor (K)
The condition factor is a measure of the
degree of wellbeing of an organism. This was
calculated monthly for males and females

Obetta et al., 2020
187
using the equation of Fulton’ condition factor
(Ricker, 1975).
K = 100W / L3
Where K = Condition factor;
W = weight in g; L = length in cm.
RESULTS
A total number of one thousand, three hundred
and seventy (1 370) specimens were collected
from January to December, 2016 from Niger
River, Jebba (Table 1). Males were nine
hundred and eighty one (981) while females
were only three hundred and eighty nine
(389), thereby giving an overall sex ratio of 1:
2.5 (F:M) with the range of 1:1.3 in November
to 1:4.56 in April. The highest number of
prawns were collected in the month of June
(328) and the lowest in the month of
November (145). Body weight ranged from
2.03-48.06 g, the highest mean was recorded
in January (20.59 g ± 0.81) and lowest
mean value in February (18.18 g ± 0.81), p-
value = 0.033. The total length ranged from
1.90 cm in December - 12.60 cm in June, the
highest mean value (9.05 cm ± 0.15) was
recorded in May while t he lowest
value was recorded in December (8.16 cm ±
0.17d), P-value = 0.002. Table 2 presents a
summary of morphometric features of males
and females A. gabonensis from River Niger,
Jebba from January to December 2016.
Males exhibited superiority in size over
females. Weight ranged from 2.03 - 48.06 g
(mean = 19.62 g ± 0.36) in males and from
2.36 - 44.39 g (mean = 17.64 g ± 0.46) in
females. Total length ranged from 1.90-12.60
cm (mean = 8.66 cm ± 0.07) in males and from
4.00- 11.9 cm (mean = 8.37 cm ± 0.10) in
females. The length-weight relationship of
males, females and combined sexes of A.
gabonensis from Niger River, Jebba from
January to December 2016 as seen in Table
3, Figures 2, 3 and 4 showed strong
correlation and negative intercept in all the
groups. The “b” values showed negative
allometric growth in males, females and
combined sexes. The males had the highest
“b” value (2.064), followed by combined
sexes (2.020) and then females with the lowest
“b” value of 1.9177.Table 4 shows the
monthly condition factor of combined sexes,
male and female of A. gabonensis from Niger
River, Jebba from January to December 2016.
The highest condition factor (K) value was
recorded in December (3.84 ± 0.36) and the
lowest in May (2.63 ± 0.08) with p- value of
0.001. Female had a slightly higher condition
factor (K) of 3.09 ± 0.07 while male had 3.08
± 0.08 and did not differ significantly
(p<0.05).

188
Table 1: Monthly morphometric features and sex ratio of Atya gabonensis as recorded at River
Niger at Jebba from January to December, 2016.
Months Weight (g) Total length (cm) Total
No.
Female Male Sex
ratio
(F:M)
Min Max Mean±S.E Min Max Mean±S.E
January 4.70 48.01 20.59 ±
0.81a
4.70 11.90 8.83 ±
0.16ab
150 34 116 1 :
3.41
February 2.03 48.01 18.18 ±
0.81bc
3.80 12.00 8.53 ±
0.16cd
154 35 119 1 :
3.40
March 2.36 44.10 16.80 ±
0.79c
4.10 12.50 8.35 ±
0.16cd
149 54 95 1 :
1.76
April 4.16 48.01 19.07 ±
0.77ab
4.80 11.90 8.68 ±
0.16bc
150 27 123 1 :
4.56
May 4.68 48.06 19.93 ±
0.80ab
4.80 12.30 9.05 ±
0.15a
144 42 102 1 :
2.43
June 4.97 48.01 19.81 ±
0.92ab
4.80 12.60 8.69 ±
0.18bc
328 96 232 1 :
2.42
November 4.09 48.01 19.23 ±
0.85ab
4.00 11.90 8.29 ±
0.18cd
145 61 84 1 :
1.38
December 3.67 41.39 18.35 ±
0.76bc
1.90 11.70 8.16 ±
0.17d
150 40 110 1 :
2.75
TOTAL P-value =
0.033
P-value
=0.002
1370 389 981 1 :
2.52
Mean in the same column with different superscript differ significantly (P<0.05)
Table 2: Morphometric features of female and male A. gabonensis as recorded at River Niger at
Jebba from January to December, 2016.
Sex Weight (g) Total length (cm)
Min Max Mean±S.E Min Max Mean±S.E
Males 2.03 48.06 19.62 ± 0.36 1.90 12.60 8.66 ± 0.07
females 2.36 44.39 17.64 ± 0.46 4.00 11.90 8.37 ± 0.10
p - values - - 0.001 - - 0.021
Table 3: Total length – weight relationship of A. gabonensis collected from River Niger at Jebba
from January to December 2016
sexes N a b r2
Male 400 -0.685 2.064 0.781
Female 178 -0560 1.918 0.770
Combined sexes 578 -0.647 2.020 0.778
N: sample size; a: intercept; b: slope; r: Coefficient of correlation; r2: Coefficient of determination; K: condition
factor; P < 0.00

Obetta et al., 2020
189
Table 4: Monthly condition factor of combined sexes of Atya gabonensis from River Niger,
Jebba from January to December 2016.
Month k N p-value
Jan 3.05 ± 0.11b 150 0.001
Feb 2.88 ± 0.10b 154 0.001
Mar 2.85 ± 0.11b 149 0.001
Apr 2.94 ± 0.11b 150 0.001
May 2.63 ± 0.08b 144 0.001
Jun 2.99 ± 0.11b 328 0.001
Nov 3.52 ± 0.13a 145 0.001
Dec 3.84 ± 0.36a 150 0.001
Male 3.08 ± 0.08 981 0.912
Female 3.09 ± 0.07 389 0.912
Mean in the same column with different superscript differ significantly (P<0.05) Key: K= condition factor; N =
Sample number Note: Due to flood and the nature of fishing activities in the sampling area, sample collection
was not possible during the peak rainy season (July to October).
Total Length (cm)
Fig 2: Plot of Length–weight relationship of A. gabonensis males collected from Niger
River, Jebba, Nigeria from January to December 2016
BodyWeight(g)

190
Total Length (cm)
Fig 3: Plot of Length–weight relationship of A. gabonensis females collected from Niger
River, Jebba, Nigeria from January to December 2016
Total Length (cm)
Fig 4: Plot of Length–weight relationship of combined sexes of A. gabonensis collected from Niger River,
Jebba, Nigeria from January to December 2016
DISCUSSION
In this study, the smallest male of A.
gabonensis was 1.90 cm and the biggest
measured 12.60 cm. The smallest female was
4 cm and the biggest was 11.9 cm. The sizes
recorded in this study differ from the findings
of Konan et al.,( 2015) who reported the size
range of 7.3 to 8.1 cm in female and 12.9 to
13.8 cm in male A. gabonensis in Bandama
River, Côte d’Ivoire; and Okayi et al. (2010)
who reported the size range of 5-12.2 cm for
the same species in Lower River Benue.
BodyWeight(g)
BodyWeight(g)

Obetta et al., 2020
191
However, the results of this study agree with
the report of Konan et al. (2015) as regards the
superiority in size of male over female. This
difference in size between the sexes was also
observed in Atya scabra (Cubillas et al. 1989).
The results of the length-weight relationship
revealed negative allometric growth for
males, females and combined sexes, but
higher “b” value was observed in males than
in females. The b values of negative
allometric growth suggests that prawns had
more weight increment in relation to length
increment (Gopalakrishnan et al. 2014; Sun et
al. 2015). According to Froese (2006), several
factors could affect relationship between
length and weight. These include habitat,
seasonal effects, degree of stomach fullness,
gonad maturity, sex, health, preservation
techniques, differences in the observed length
of specimens and ontogeny aspect. The result
of this findings also differs from the report of
Okayi et al. (2004) on isometric growth for A.
gabonensis with “b” value of 2.989 in River
Mu. This difference could be the result of
availability of food and sufficient space to
support the biomass (Araneda, 2008). Present
study shows that condition factor was higher
in all seasons, than those reported by Okayi et
al. (2004) for Atya gabonensis (k = 1.014) in
Mu River. The difference could be due to
difference in habitats prospected, selective
capture by local people for human
consumption (Martínez-Mayén et al. 2000).
The values obtained from the study of
length weight relationship for both sexes
showed a higher value of condition factor in
January, November and December, which are
within the dry season. This is an indication
that A. gabonensis performs better in water
with less turbidity. This is similar to the
observations of Obande (2006); Obande and
Kusemuji (2006); Solomon et al. (1999);
Jimoh et al. (2012) and Udoinyang et al.
(2016) that A. gabonensis prefers clear waters.
The months with no catch in which no
specimens were collected (July to October)
coincided with periods of heavy rains when
the water turbidity was high due to run off
from adjoining tributaries. Strong correlation
between length and weight, and good
condition factor indicates that River Niger in
Jebba as a good environment provides suitable
habitat for growth of A. gabonensis. The
difference between the values of the condition
factor of males and females might be further
related to the increased capacity of females in
storing energy/fat to use it during gonadal
maturation, as well as the larger size and
weight of the ovaries in comparison with testis
(Lira et al. 2012). There was strong
correlation in prawns total length, weight and
condition factor throughout the months of
study. This coincides with the result of Amani
et al., 2015 who worked on the length weight
relationship and condition factor of a marine
shrimp (Parapenaeopsis sculptilis). This
study provides basic information on A.
gabonensis in River Niger at Jebba. Further
research is needed to elucidate aspects of its
reproductive biology so as to ascertain its
candidacy for aquaculture. The exploitation
and subsequent culture of this stock from this
river would help towards reducing over
dependence on fin fishes. It will also enhance
the nutritional intake and income of the local
fishermen and the community. It is
recommended that fisheries management
authority should give fishermen orientation
and encouragement to develop strategies that
could be used to harvest this prawns in high
quantity for consumption.
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