Study on the Artificial Incubation of <i>Procambarus clarkii</i> Embryos

The Procambarus clarkii industry currently faces four major challenges: genetic degradation, disease, unstable prices, and limited breeding methods and modes. Studies on the artificial incubation of P. clarkii embryos can help solve these problems. The purpose of this study was to screen for parameters (disinfectants, embryo stripping stage, embryo hatching density, and attachment) suitable for artificial incubation of P. clarkii embryos and establish a standardized process. The results were as follows: (1) The hatching and survival rates of the essential oil disinfectant and 3000 ppm formaldehyde group were significantly higher than those of the nondisinfection group. The microbial diversity index and levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), acid phosphatase (ACP), and alkaline phosphatase (AKP), indicators of the essential oil disinfectant group, were found to be higher than the other two groups. (2) The hatching and survival rates of the late‐stage and mid‐stage embryo groups, 200 and 400 embryos/box groups, and the sponge attachment group were significantly higher than those of the early‐stage embryo groups, 600 embryos/box group, and the nonsponge attachment group, respectively. (3) Based on the selected suitable parameters, 98 egg‐holding crayfish were selected, and a total of 12,935 were hatched, with a hatching rate of 85.52% ± 4.83% and a survival rate of 55.61% ± 7.52%. A standardized process for artificial incubation of P. clarkii embryos was established. In summary, we identified suitable disinfectants, embryo stages, hatching density, and attachment. Through batch artificial incubation tests and the establishment of a standardized process of P. clarkii embryos, the foundation for stable and efficient mass‐seedling supply has been laid ready for the future.