TITLE:
Length-Weight Relationship, Condition Factor, and Environmental Influences on Macrobrachium sollaudii (De Man, 1912) in Forest Streams on the Lubuya-Bera Sector, Tshopo Province, Democratic Republic of Congo
AUTHORS:
Faustin Bonyoma Bassoy, Vianney Ngabo Mulema, Roger Lingofo Bolaya, Eunice Musau Ntambwe, Alexender-Armand Amatcho Kalonda, Fiston Bokwala Bobitshe, Aristote Yofemo Bifinole, Noelle Lifoli Bofate, Passy Mate Kazimubaya, Alidor Kankonda Busanga
KEYWORDS:
Forest Streams, Aquaculture Potential, Ecological Management, Population Structure, Length-Weight Relationship
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Access Library Journal,
Vol.13 No.7,
July
28,
2026
ABSTRACT: The biometric study of freshwater prawns provides essential insights into growth dynamics, ecological adaptation, and aquaculture potential. This research investigated the length-weight relationship (LWR), growth patterns, and condition factor (K) of Macrobrachium sollaudii across three forest streams (Agbukode, Alibuku, and Mai-Pembe) in the Lubuya-Bera sector, Tshopo Province, Democratic Republic of Congo. A total of 348 individuals were analysed between June and August 2025. Standard log-transformed linear regression revealed a significant positive allometric growth pattern for the pooled population (b = 3.31, 95% CI: [3.12, 3.50], R2 = 0.842), which remained consistent (b > 3) across all three stations. The median Fulton’s condition factor was significantly higher in the Agbukode stream (K approximatively 1.8) compared to Alibuku and Mai-Pembe (Tukey HSD, p β = 0.24, p β = −0.15$, p = 0.021). Females dominated the population sample (73.9%), though males exhibited pronounced sexual dimorphism with significantly greater lengths and weights (p M. sollaudii in Central Africa.