Mingguang Mei Fish

Mingguang Mei Fish

Mingguang Mei fish is a product with a geographical indication for agricultural products.

　　Mei fish, scientifically known as Culter, is also called "tribute fish" or "Mei culter," commonly referred to as "Mei white fish" or topmouth culter. Locally, it is known as "Mingguang Mei fish" or simply Mei fish. It is found in the Chi River within Mingguang City. With its slender body, the best season to enjoy it is during the plum rain season. Since ancient times, it has been regarded as a fine delicacy on the dining table. When locals return home from abroad or when visitors come to Mingguang, they all make it a point to try this dish. The ancient poet Xu Luoshan once wrote a poem about "Mei fish": "Its vitality rises with the new tide, the plum rain clears after the rain..." The Cihai (a Chinese encyclopedia) explains: "A group of medium-sized freshwater fish belonging to the order of bony fish, family Cyprinidae, that inhabit the upper and middle layers of freshwater. Their bodies are laterally compressed; their mouths are large, slanted or upturned, and their bellies are fully or partially edged with fleshy ridges. They feature pale yellow patterns along the spine, with silvery-white bodies covered in fine scales, and offer a delicious taste."

　　True Mei fish must be produced during the plum rain season, specifically when the rains are continuous, sunlight is scarce for days, or when there is heavy rainfall. It is found in the Chi River section that flows through Mingguang City to the mouth of the Nushan Lake. As the new water surges and churns, the Mei fish, driven by the urge to mate, become highly active and excited, swimming in schools near the surface. This is the best time to catch them, and they are at their most delicious. They range from just a few inches to over a foot in length, with bright eyes, small heads, flat bodies, white color, and tender meat. Only during this period do Mei fish have a milky secretion at the base of their tails — a key characteristic that distinguishes them from other similar culter species or culter from other regions, and also the main sign of their unique tenderness and nutritional value. During the Ming Dynasty, this fish was exclusively served as a delicacy to the emperor, hence it was also called "tribute fish." Local fishermen catch Mei fish during this season. "Even when faced with dense fishing barriers (a type of fishing gear), they still swim boldly forward as if charging, never retreating." Thus, fishermen can easily catch them. The fish are as small as "qian lao" (an old unit of measurement), making them unsuitable for netting. Fishing must be timed perfectly, as "they disappear after just a few days, and no one knows where they go." The Chi River within Mingguang City is the only place where "Mei fish" can be found.

　　The geographical indication protection area for Mingguang Mei fish: longitude 117°57'022" to 118°10'56", latitude 32°45'53" to 32°54'55"; protected area: from the Magang Sluice downstream of the Chi River to the upper section of the Nushan Lake lake inlet, covering an area of 1,730 hectares, with an annual yield of 110 tons. The region spans four towns, including Zhangwan Village and Zhaofu Village in Mingguang Subdistrict Office, Magang Village, Shanxu Village, Cai'gang Village, and Wangxiang Village in Mingxi Subdistrict Office, Zhadu Village in Qiaotou Town, and Daixiang Village in Suxiang Town.