This paper reports the findings of the ongoing studies on cryopreservation of the snakehead, Channa
Molecular characterization, phylogeny and expression of a hepcidin gene in the blotched snakehead Channa maculataat different temperatures for a period of time. Embryos were kept at 24 C (control), 15 C, 4 C and 2 C
for 5 min, 1 h and 3 h. Following these treatments, the embryos were then transferred into a 24 C water
bath until hatch to evaluate the hatching rate. The results showed that there was a significant decrease of
hatching rate in both developmental stages following exposure to 4 C and 2 C at 1 h and 3 h exposure
in each treatment. Heartbeat stage was more tolerant against chilling at 2 C for 3 h exposure in Me2SO
followed by MeOH, sucrose and EG. Further studies will be conducted to find the best method to preserve
embryos for long term storage.