Abstract

Procambarus clarkii, a prominent aquaculture species, are mainly cultured through conventional modes: pond culture and rice–crayfish co-culture. In the present study, we proposed a novel industrial recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) for the culture of Procambarus clarkii. The nutritional quality of Procambarus clarkii under different culture modes was evaluated. The results indicated that industrial culture achieved optimal amino acid profiles and a higher level of flavor amino acids. Crayfish cultured in RAS also showed more balanced textures with moderate hardness and good springiness. Moreover, distinct crayfish metabolites were identified across different culture modes. The main differential metabolites include amino acids, peptides (and their analogs), organic acids and acyl carnitines. Industrial culture prioritized metabolites linked to flavor and rapid growth, while other culture modes enriched metabolites associated with ecological resilience and nutritional diversity. Overall, industrial culture displays great potential in improving the nutritional quality and regulating metabolic characteristics of red swamp crayfish.

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