Growth patterns and relative condition factor of Macrobrachium species from Sungai Batang River, Indonesia

Abstract

The present study provides the first reference for the growth patterns and relative condition factor of Macrobrachium species from Sungai Batang River, Indonesia. A total of 328 specimens, caught by using wire-stage trap, consisted of 83 males (25%) and 245 females (75%) with the sex ratio of 1:3. Macrobrachium species showed a negative allometric growth pattern (b= 1.94-2.14). The highest percentage of catch falls between 90-94 mm TL (38.55%) and weighted between 9-10 g (46.99%). The average total length and body weight of male were 1.1 and 1.4 times greater than those of female computed by comparing the said body sizes of shrimp. Male had total length, carapace length, abdominal length and chelae length longer than female. The mean relative condition factor values ranged of 0.96 ± 0.17 and 1.01 ± 0.16, reflecting well-being of the species. Outcome of research could be useful for sustainable fisheries management and conservation measures for Macrobrachium species in this river. In addition, a new fishing method was also introduced to improve fishing efficiency.