This study used morphometric traits as potential criteria for the selectionof future Penaeus semisulcatus broodstocks.Prawns were collected from Kao-hsiung and Tungkang waters in southern Taiwan.Twenty-one morphometrictraits including tail weight were measured from each prawn.The results showed significantly higher mean values of tail weight andmost other morphometric traits in female prawns of this species from Tung-kang.There were no significant differences in all morphometric traits inmales from both locations.Stepwise multiple regression analysis showed thata large portion of variance in tail weight can be explained by a single variable,that is,by partial total length(PTL)in female prawn and by secondabdominal segment depth(SAD)in male.These variables can give a moreaccurate estimate of tail weight and can be used as a basis for broodstock selection in prawn culture.