Abstract:Changes in biochemical compositions during embryonic development were studied in Cyprinus carpio var.color by biochemical methods. The water content of fertilized eggs accounted for more than 70% and increased during the incubation period. Lipid utilization mainly occurred in the late embryonic development. The content of phospholipids was higher than that of neutral lipids and decreased with embryonic development, while the neutral lipids nearly remained constant. During embryonic development the total protein content increased significantly, contrary to the change of soluble protein. The carbohydrate content in embryos of C.c.var.color was very low, and a significant decrease was observed during embryogenesis, however, the carbohydrate content was increased close to the time of hatching.