Ma Liang Stone Fish

Ma Liang Stone Fish

　　Found in the crevices of rocks extending from Ma Liang Mountain into the bed of the Han River, the "Ten Thousand Rocks Supporting the Slope, Fish Cave" — one of the Eight Scenic Spots of Ma Liang — refers to the habitat of this fish. Legend has it that in ancient times, Bai Yi and the Yellow Emperor fought fiercely in what is now the Ma Liang area. One used water as a weapon, the other defended with rocks, resulting in an intense stalemate. The battle caused the river to become blocked, triggering massive flooding that submerged vast areas of fertile farmland and sparked widespread public discontent. The turmoil alarmed the Jade Emperor, who then issued an edict for the Thunder God to split the mountains and shatter the rocks to clear the river channel.

Amid thunder and lightning, rocks rained down like a storm into the river. As soon as the shattered stones hit the water, they transformed into swimming fish. The local people caught and ate them to survive, and thus the fish came to be known as stone fish. These fish are smooth and scaleless, with crescent-shaped mouths. Their backs are grayish-stone in color, faintly marked with patterns resembling stone. Their plump, round bellies are white with a hint of red, and their tails are slightly narrow and flat.

The flesh of the stone fish is tender, fine-boned, rich in fat yet not greasy. It has been regarded as a tribute through the ages. During the Tongzhi reign of the Qing Dynasty, Li Hongzhang, Viceroy of Zhili and Minister of Beiyang, once sent people specifically to Ma Liang to procure stone fish, which were served to envoys stationed in China. Foreign residents in the British and French concessions were willing to pay as much as 10 silver dollars per jin to enjoy the delicacy. As a result, the stone fish gained international fame.