Belarusian Scientists Have Figured Out How To Raise Crayfish Nearly Three Times Faster

• 17.09.2026, 14:20

This unique technology could be a breakthrough for the industry.

Belarusian scientists have developed a technology that should significantly speed up the cultivation of crayfish. Specialists at the Belarusian State Agricultural Academy have been working on it for two decades. Over that time, several generations of scientists and students have contributed to the project, according to FishingBY.

One of the most challenging stages in crayfish breeding is producing juveniles. The period when larvae hatch from the eggs is particularly vulnerable.

To make this process more controllable, scientists have created a special incubator. It allows them to maintain the necessary conditions, including water temperature.

In nature, egg incubation can take about eight months. Experts plan to conduct incubation at a temperature of about +18°C and reduce this period to approximately three months.

In addition, the new system will allow for a higher survival rate of the young crayfish. According to the developers’ estimates, the survival rate could reach 90%.

The technology is currently undergoing the patenting process. Officials plan to formally patent the invention this spring.

At the same time, scientists will need to test it under real-world conditions. If the claimed results are confirmed, the technology could be used in the commercial farming of crayfish.

They plan to start with the narrow-clawed crayfish, whose population in Belarusian water bodies has declined significantly in recent years. They also hope to use the new technology to help restore its population.

In the future, the scientists plan to turn their attention to the broad-clawed crayfish, which is listed in the Red Book of Belarus.