LENGTH WEIGHT RELATIONSHIP, CONDITION FACTOR AND ALLOMETRIC GROWTH PATTERN OF Machrobranchium vollenhovenii CAUGHT IN WARRI RIVER, SOUTH EASTERN NIGERIA

Management parameters such as length-weight relationship, allometric growth patterns and condition factor are often required for the assessment of prawn stocks. Such was conducive, also estimation standing crop biomass in prawns when length-frequency data accessible. Four hundred samples comprising 153 male 247 female specimens Machrobranchium vollenhovenii, caught Warri River, were analyzed. Male this study smaller size range (43.0 to 179.0 mm) than which had a higher (53.0 499.0 mm). Body weight 5.50 61.60 g lower those males 6.80 86.70 g. A value 1: 1.6 sex ratio established. Correlation co-efficience revealed significant relationship (p<0.001) between total length body specimens, where 'r' 0.644, whereas not =0.477). The (kn) (0.64) (0.48) specimens. negative pattern observed with ?b’ 2.977 females 2.609. Both values less 3, indicating that increased faster their increase weight. This has enriched on species, by providing information used effective management. will have important implication towards conservation, scientific culture management procedures