Silver Crucian Carp

Silver Crucian Carp

　　The Silver Crucian Carp (originally known as the White-Shelled Crucian Carp) is abundantly found in Songbai Lake, located about 33 kilometers northwest of Chibi City. It is called the Silver Crucian Carp due to its silvery-white body. As a high-quality fish from the Yangtze River, its delicious taste is celebrated across the provinces of Hunan and Hubei. Originally, Songbai Lake was connected to Liushan Lake and linked to the Yangtze River. During the Battle of Red Cliffs, it served as the site where Zhou Yu set up camp and trained his troops. In 1965, the area was reclaimed and turned into Songbai Lake through dam construction and water control projects. It was later expanded into a medium-sized reservoir capable of both irrigation and aquaculture, with nearly 3,000 acres of fish farming waters. The lake water is pristine and classified as nutrient-rich, making it an ideal habitat for fish breeding. The renowned Silver Crucian Carp comes from this lake, with tens of thousands of kilograms caught annually. Moreover, fishing is possible all year round. Individual fish typically weigh around 0.5 kilograms, with the largest reaching up to 1.5 kilograms. The flesh is tender, the broth milky white, and the flavor delicious and unique. As a result, it enjoys widespread fame. A local folk song praises the Silver Crucian Carp: “So many fish in Songbai Lake, but only the Silver Crucian Carp has a white shell; its white, tender meat is a fine dish, delicious any season you sample it.” (Chibi)