Immortal Fetus Fish

Immortal Fetus Fish

　　The Immortal Fetus Fish is a rare and precious fish species unique to Mount Lao. According to the Jimo County Annals from the Tongzhi era of the Qing Dynasty: “The Immortal Fetus Fish comes from the Baisha River, flowing down from Jiushui. The mountain winds and the stream twists, its waters long, clear, and untainted by mud or dust — it is a fish that swims amid crystal springs and white stones. It can grow to about five or six inches in length and is extraordinarily delicious.”

　　 The Mount Lao Immortal Fetus Fish is found in the Baisha River and its streams, spawning and breeding at river estuaries in September and October. In early summer the following year, adult fish swim upstream against the rapid, clear currents, feeding on plankton and algae. They grow to about 3–4 inches in length and weigh 1–2 taels, are covered in scales, have square mouths, and sport bean-like growths along their lips. Their flesh is delicious and has a cucumber-like aroma. The Immortal Fetus Fish swims as swiftly as an arrow and is very difficult to catch, but it has a habit of fearing shadows cast by horizontal grass. Fishermen often block its path with peeled willow branches, front and back, and quickly catch it when it finds itself trapped with no way to escape forward or back.