Seasonal variation of gender-specific meat yield of freshwater Crayfish ( <i>Pontastacus leptodactylus</i> Eschscholtz, 1823)

The focus of this study was the seasonal and sex-specific variation in meat yield of narrow-clawed crayfish (Pontastacus leptodactylus Eschscholtz, 1823), an important crustacean species for aquaculture and the local market. This popular consumer product has been the subject of much recent research. Crayfish were caught from Cernek lake in October–November and May–June 2021–2022 using a pinter. A total of 400 crayfish were included in the study, of which 224 were male and 176 were female. Important data on crayfish under and above 35 g were obtained. The average meat yield was 15.79% in the period October-November and 15.30% in the period May–June. The average of the total meat yield was 15.55%. As a result of the crayfish meat yield study, 100 g of consumable meat was obtained from approximately 13.17 individuals. Carapace length was found to have a statistically significant coefficient in the determination of total meat yield. The results of the study will support demand increases in the local market and have a beneficial impact on aquaculture businesses.