Contribution to the Study of the Size Structure, the Length-Weight Relationship, the Condition Factor and the Sex-ration of Shrimp Farfantepenaeus notialis (Pérez Farfante, 1967) in the Estuary of Sine-Saloum (Senegal)

This study was carried out within the context of USAID/COMFISH project for establihing a biological data base for some fish species including shrimp Farfantepenaeus notialis to support management plans for these species. This study on Farfantepenaeus notialis in the Sine-Saloum estuary revealed that the sampled individuals are relatively small sizes. The average cephalothoracic sizes are less than 20 mm at Bettenty (male = 18.0 ± 2.9; female=18.5 ± 3.9) and at Foundiougne (male = 17.6 ± 2.9; female = 18.5 ± 3.8). The allometric rate «b» is more important at Bettenty (b = 2.94) than at Foundiougne (b = 2.75) and condition factor K is higher during the hot season in both locations (Bettenty: K = 0.80 in hot season; K = 0.78 in cold season; Foundiougne: K = 0.82 in hot season, K = 0.75 in cold season). The sex ratio of Farfantepenaeus notialis is in favor of females at Bettenty (54.6%) and at Foundiougne (51.2%). The size classes show that below 15 mm and beyond 20 mm, the number of female is higher than that of male. Beween 15 to 20 mm, male are higher.