Study of fertility and oocyte characteristics of Macrobrachium sollaudii (DE MAN, 1912) (CRUSTACEA, PALAEMONIDAE) in a natural environment: Case of the lower sub-basin of the Tshopo River

Abstract

This article focused on the fertility and egg characteristics of Macrobrachium sollaudii in their natural environment, specifically in the lower basin of the Tshopo River. Data were collected using a net made from mosquito mesh, suitable for shallow areas. Collecting was often done at night, the time when the shrimp are active. After capture, all individuals were preserved in 70% alcohol and then taken to the laboratory for measurement and identification. Holthuis's dichotomous key (1980) was used for identification. The results show that the fertility of Macrobrachium sollaudii varies depending on the size of the females, and egg size increases with the embryonic stage. There is a positive correlation between the size of the females and that of the eggs. Finally, the comparison between the surveyed rivers shows significant differences in terms of fertility and oocyte size, likely linked to local ecological conditions.