Multi-omics profiling of muscle tissue reveals metabolic signatures associated with size variation in redclaw crayfish (Cherax quadricarinatus).

The rising market demand for large, premium grade redclaw crayfish (Cherax quadricarinatus) highlights the need for improved production efficiency, yet the molecular characteristics associated with body-size variation remain poorly understood. This study employs an integrated multi-omics approach (untargeted metabolomics, targeted taurine analysis, and transcriptomics) to characterize the metabolic signatures associated with crayfish size variation. Untargeted analysis of 18,204 metabolite features identified 229 differentially abundant metabolites, including a 28-fold higher level of sucrose in large individuals (p = 0.025). Targeted analysis confirmed that taurine, a key osmolyte and antioxidant, was significantly elevated in larger crayfish. Integrated metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses revealed metabolic features associated with carbohydrate and purine metabolism that correlated with body-size variation. In contrast, smaller crayfish exhibited elevated purine turnover (xanthine/uric acid) and reduced levels of key anabolic metabolites. These findings provide a multi-omics characterization of metabolic states associated with growth phenotypes and identify candidate biomarkers for future studies investigating the potential of nutritional strategies to improve crayfish production.