Zhaoshan Silverfish

Zhaoshan Silverfish

　　Zhaoshan Silverfish from Liangzi Lake in Zhaoshan Town, Liangzihu District, Ezhou City, Hubei Province, is a local specialty. The silverfish farming area covers 5,000 mu, with an annual output of 200 tons, and the product is sold to various provinces and cities. The silverfish produced in the waters near Zhaoshan in Liangzi Lake are crystal clear as jade, rich in nutrients, and considered a fine aquatic delicacy. They were listed as tribute items during the early Qing Dynasty.

　　Zhaoshan Town is a hilly lakeside area, with terrain sloping from east to west. The southeast features continuous, towering mountain ranges, the central part has undulating hills that stretch endlessly, and the southwestern lakeside area is relatively flat. Most of the soil consists of sandy soil developed from weathered rhyolite, with thick soil layers and good engineering geology. The area enjoys abundant sunshine year-round, a mild climate, and an average annual temperature of 16.8°C. The favorable ecological environment makes Zhaoshan a pristine and unpolluted "sacred" place in Hubei Province, often referred to as the "land of fish and rice," and it ranks among the top 50 aquaculture regions in the province.

　　Zhaoshan Town has a subtropical monsoon climate, characterized by distinct seasons, mild weather, ample sunlight, abundant rainfall, and a long frost-free period. The average annual temperature is 16.8°C, the average total accumulated temperature is 6,200, the average annual sunshine duration is 2,038.4 hours, the annual rainfall ranges between 1,230–1,280 mm, and the frost-free period lasts 263–271 days. The periods of severe cold and intense heat are short, and the diurnal temperature variation is not significant, making it suitable for a wide range of crops and livestock.

　　Silverfish, anciently known as "kuican fish," have slender, smooth, and transparent bodies. They inhabit coastal areas, estuaries, or freshwater. The silverfish produced in the waters near Zhaoshan in Liangzi Lake are crystal clear as jade, rich in nutrients, and considered a fine aquatic delicacy. They were listed as tribute items during the early Qing Dynasty. Silverfish soup is delicious and serves as a nourishing dish, while stir-fried silverfish with eggs is a fine delicacy on the dining table.