Jiangdong Perch

Jiangdong Perch

Jiangdong Perch is a geographical indication certification trademark.

　　　    Jiangdong Perch, produced in the waters of the North Creek under Jiangdong Bridge, thrives in deep, clear river waters with a constant flow of freshwater. The perch from this area enjoys widespread fame and is thus named “Jiangdong Perch,” also known as “Broadmouth Perch.” It features a wide mouth, long body, fine scales, and a silvery-white color adorned with small irregular black spots on its back—making the contrast between black and white very distinct. Its shape is similar to that of the Songjiang Perch from Shanghai. The flesh of this fish is tender, snow-white, delicious, and virtually free of fishy odor, offering high nutritional value unmatched by perch from other regions. When cooked, it becomes an exceptional delicacy. Currently, “Jiangdong Perch Congee” and “Jiangdong Perch Rolls” have been honored as “China’s Famous Snacks,” while “Jiangdong Perch Balls” have also been recognized as “Fujian Famous Snacks.” In recent years, through the creative efforts of chefs, the cooking methods for Jiangdong Perch have continuously evolved. There are nearly ten different ways to prepare perch congee alone, catering to the tastes of tourists from various regions, making it a renowned local specialty of Longhai.

　　    The waters near Jiangdong Bridge in Jiaomei Town, Longhai City, belong to the North Creek basin of the Jiulong River. This area features deep, clear rivers with a continuous flow of freshwater, yielding perch that enjoys widespread fame and is thus named “Jiangdong Perch,” also known as “Broadmouth Perch.” Legend has it that this fish was introduced from Songjiang (present-day Songjiang District of Shanghai), hence it is referred to as the “Dongxi Fish Presented to Mother.”

　　    During the Song Dynasty, Gao Dongxi, a native of Zhangpu County, was known for his filial piety. His mother had a particular fondness for eating perch. Su Shi, the renowned Song Dynasty literary figure, once praised the perch of Songjiang in his “Ode to the Red Cliff” as having “a large mouth and fine scales, making it a premium variety of perch.” Later, when Gao Dongxi took leave and returned home via waterway, he installed a separate tank for live water in the ship’s hold to transport live perch from Songjiang to offer to his mother. When the boat reached the area beneath Jiangdong Bridge, Gao planned to cook the perch for his mother. However, seeing how lively and beautiful the fish looked, his mother could not bear to eat them and said to Dongxi: “These fish were not easy to obtain, and once eaten, they will be hard to come by again. Why not release them into the river so they can breed and multiply for generations to come, allowing future generations to enjoy such fine fare?” Following his mother’s wishes, Gao released all the live Songjiang perch he had brought into the waters beneath Jiangdong Bridge. From then on, the perch thrived and multiplied here, eventually becoming a renowned local species.

　　    Jiangdong Perch features a wide mouth, long body, fine scales, and a silvery-white color with small irregular black spots on its back—creating a distinct contrast between black and white. Its shape is similar to that of the Songjiang Perch. The fish boasts tender, snow-white flesh, a delicious taste, no fishy odor, and high nutritional value, surpassing perch from other areas. Once cooked, it becomes an outstanding delicacy.

　　Jiangdong Perch

　　Jiangdong Perch Aquaculture Association of Bangshan Town, Longhai City

　　11994880

　　Perch