Laiyang Wulong River Carp

Laiyang Wulong River Carp

Laiyang Wulong River Carp is a product with geographical indication.

　　Laiyang Wulong River Carp is a specialty of Laiyang, Yantai, Shandong.

　　Since ancient times, Laiyang has been well known for its production of Wulong River carp. Historical records indicate that this type of carp existed in the Wulong River over 3,000 years ago, and locals call it the "four-nostril carp." Both the Kangxi-era and Republican-era editions of the *Laiyang County Annals* contain clear records of the Laiyang Wulong River Carp. The 1995 November edition of *The Annals of Laiyang City*, published by Qilu Publishing House, describes in its second chapter on aquatic products — section on freshwater aquaculture — how Wulong River carp had become one of the main species in Laiyang’s freshwater aquaculture industry during the 1980s. The 2009 book *Tracing the Historical and Cultural Origins of Laiyang*, published by China Publishing House, provides a detailed account in its first chapter on local specialties regarding the history, culture, physical characteristics, legends, and quality of the Laiyang Wulong River Carp. It has become one of Laiyang’s most famous specialties. The fish is large and plump, with four nostrils, and a golden-yellow color. Folklore says that the Wulong River carp symbolizes abundance and prosperity. It is commonly used in weddings, funerals, banquets, and rituals to signify solemnity and importance.

　　Region:

　　Shandong

　　Applicant:

　　Laiyang City Fisheries Technology Extension Station

　　Region:

　　2014

　　Geographical Scope

　　The protected production area of Laiyang Wulong River Carp is within Laiyang City, Shandong Province. It spans a maximum east-west width of 35 kilometers and a maximum north-south width of 65 kilometers, covering an area of 1,731.54 square kilometers. The city administers four subdistricts — Chengxiang, Guliu, Longwangzhuang, and Fenggezhuang — and 14 towns: Muyudian, Tuanzhang, Xuefang, Yangjun, Jiangtuan, Wandi, Zhaowangzhuang, Tanggezhuang, Bolinzhuang, Heluo, Lügezhuang, Gaogezhuang, Dakuang, and Shanqiandian. Its geographical coordinates are: 36°34′10″ to 37°9′52″ north latitude, and 120°31′00″ to 120°59′12″ east longitude. The city’s Wulong River carp farming area covers 400 hectares, with an annual output of approximately 3,000 to 4,000 tons.

　　Product Quality Characteristics

　　1. External Sensory Features: The head is slightly pointed, the lips are full, the body is plump and spindle-shaped, with a body length to width ratio of 2.5:1. The body color is golden yellow, and the anal fin, pelvic fin, and tail stalk are yellowish-red. 2. Internal Quality Indicators: The unique climate and water quality conditions of Laiyang create an exclusive growing environment for Wulong River carp, which contains various essential amino acids for humans as well as trace elements such as phosphorus, calcium, selenium, and iron, making it highly nutritious. Its internal quality indicators are: protein content of 18.6–20.5g/100g, fat content of 0.4–0.5g/100g, selenium content of 0.28–0.5mg/kg, and zinc content of 13–16mg/kg. The flesh of Wulong River carp is tender, fragrant, smooth in texture, and delicious in taste. Whether stewed plainly, cooked with scallion oil, or prepared in sweet-and-sour sauce, it remains flavorful and rich in nutrition, offering high edible value. 3. Quality and Safety Standards: Production and operation must strictly follow the environmental, breeding, and cultivation technical requirements mentioned under “3 Specific Production Methods.” Compliance with the *Food Safety Law of the People’s Republic of China* and the *Agricultural Product Quality and Safety Law of the People’s Republic of China* is mandatory. The production environment of Wulong River carp must meet the *Environmental Requirements for Pollution-Free Aquatic Product Production Areas* (GB/T18407.4-2001), and product quality must comply with all technical standards outlined in the *Safety Requirements for Pollution-Free Aquatic Products* (GB18406.4-2001). Based on these standards, quality management rules are established, quality control systems are strengthened and improved, ensuring the safety and quality of Wulong River carp.