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

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 < 0.05). Multiple linear regression identified dissolved oxygen as a highly significant positive driver of prawn physiological condition (β = 0.24, p < 0.001), while minor thermal elevations had a negative impact (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 < 0.001). Population size-class structuring revealed a predominance of medium-sized individuals (4.9 - 5.9 cm; 2.65 - 4.65 g), suggesting stable demographic recruitment. These findings provide crucial baseline ecological data to support the sustainable management, conservation, and aquaculture development of M. sollaudii in Central Africa.