LENGTH-WEIGHT RELATIONSHIP AND CONDITION FACTOR OF MACROBRACHIUM FELICINUM AT AMASSOMA AND OTUAN AXIS OF IGBEDI CREEK, BAYELSA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

The growth parameters of Macrobrachium felicinum at Amassoma and Otuan Axis of Igbedi Creek, Bayelsa State, Nigeria were investigated utilising Length-Weight Relationship and Condition factor of the species. The specimens were collected from fishers at the sampling stations and analysed. The largest specimen of M. felicinum in both stations recorded was 8.0cm. The average length and weight were 5.014±1.557 cm; weight 3.436±2.596 g and 5.108± 1.234 cm; 3.254±2.200 g in Amassoma and Otuan at Igbedi Creek. The results showed negative allometric: 2.372 and 2.518 at Amassoma and Otuan respectively. Fulton’s condition factor, K for M. felicinum was greater than one, 2.596 at Amassoma while 2.442 at Otuan. There was positive correlation coefficient between total length and weight 0.965 at Amassoma while 0.939 at Otuan. The species M. felicinum was caught in a single month of November, for a twelve-calendar month research. Therefore, this study recommends an in-depth study on the population status of the species at Igbedi Creek.