Xingshan Yang Fish

Xingshan Yang Fish

Xingshan Yang Fish is a geographical indication certification trademark.

　　Xingshan Yang Fish

　　Xingshan Nanyang Town Aquatic Products Industry Association

　　Xingshan Yang Fish (also known as Qikou Schizothoracin) is mainly found in the Xiangxi River of Nanyang Town, Xingshan County, Hubei Province. The Xiangxi River is located downstream of the Xiangxi Source in Shennongjia and boasts a long history of fish habitation. Legend has it that “fish swarm out of caves at the sound of thunder.” Some caves in Shennongjia connect to underground rivers and link to surface water. Shortly after the first spring thunderclap each year, schools of fish emerge from the cave mouths—hence the name “fish caves.” These caves are named either for their locations, such as Guanfeng Fish Cave, Houhe Fish Cave, and Panshui Fish Cave, or for the fish they produce, such as Silver Carp Cave, Crucian Carp Cave, and Money Fish Cave. Each is unique yet together forms a fascinating world.

　　The fish from Guanfeng Fish Cave are locally called “Yang Fish.” Compared to other fish, they have several distinctive features: First, they are uniformly sized—neither very large nor very small. It is said this is due to sorting through a grinding hole. Second, they are scaleless and shimmer with a silvery sheen. It is believed their scales are worn off at the cave exit. Third, their flesh is rich, tender, and has few fine bones, making them both delicious and easy to prepare. Farmers often salt and bake them, then string them up for ready consumption. They are convenient for guests or banquets and can be used in soups, stir-fries, or other dishes. Fourth, each fish contains a single milky-white, bean-sized fish louse inside its body, complete with limbs. Upon first emerging, it can even crawl on the ground and is called a “fish monster.” Farmers like to dry these fish monsters on tiles, grind them into powder, and soak them in alcohol for medicinal use. Folk belief holds that this medicinal wine is particularly effective in treating esophageal cancer (known locally as “choking death disease”).