%0 Journal Article
%T Length-Weight Relationship, Condition Factor, and Environmental Influences on <i>Macrobrachium</i> <i>sollaudii</i> (De Man, 1912) in Forest Streams on the Lubuya-Bera Sector, Tshopo Province, Democratic Republic of Congo
%A Faustin Bonyoma Bassoy
%A Vianney Ngabo Mulema
%A Roger Lingofo Bolaya
%A Eunice Musau Ntambwe
%A Alexender-Armand Amatcho Kalonda
%A Fiston Bokwala Bobitshe
%A Aristote Yofemo Bifinole
%A Noelle Lifoli Bofate
%A Passy Mate Kazimubaya
%A Alidor Kankonda Busanga
%J Open Access Library Journal
%V 13
%N 7
%P 1-13
%@ 2333-9721
%D 2026
%I Open Access Library
%R 10.4236/oalib.1115518
%X 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 <i>Macrobrachium</i> <i>sollaudii</i> 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], R<sup>2</sup> = 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 (<i>¦Â</i> = 0.24, p < 0.001), while minor thermal elevations had a negative impact (<i>¦Â</i> = £¿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 <i>M. </i><i>sollaudii</i> in Central Africa.
%K Forest Streams
%K Aquaculture Potential
%K Ecological Management
%K Population Structure
%K Length-Weight Relationship
%U http://www.scirp.org/journal/PaperInformation.aspx?PaperID=152844