Chinese bitterling

Chinese bitterling

　　The Chinese bitterling is a specialty of Xitang, Zhejiang. Xitang is crisscrossed with waterways fed by Taihu Lake, and the excellent water quality provides an ideal environment for wild Chinese bitterlings to thrive. These fish live in groups along the riverbanks, hence their name. They are about an inch and a half long, with a flat and small body, and never grow larger. Wild Chinese bitterlings can be cooked in various ways such as braising, steaming, or making soup, but the most distinctive dish is salt-and-pepper fried Chinese bitterling.