Abstract
The red swamp crayfish (Procambarus clarkii) is a crucial freshwater aquaculture species in China, and the reproductive capacity and farming efficiency are critically dependent on gonadal development. Consequently, the acceleration and synchronization of gonadal maturation constitutes fundamental prerequisites for intensive seedling breeding. This review systematically synthesizes current knowledge on gonadal development and its regulatory factors in P. clarkii, specifically addressing (1) histological characteristics, (2) developmental stages and cyclical patterns, and (3) key genes involved in gonadal regulation. We particularly focus on the combined effects of intrinsic and extrinsic factors-including temperature, photoperiod, nutrition, and endocrine regulation-on gonadal maturation. This comprehensive assessment offers both theoretical insights into gonadal development mechanisms and practical guidance for enhancing intensive seedling production in this economically vital species.