Jiangxia Wuchang Fish

Jiangxia Wuchang Fish

　　Wuchang fish, commonly known as tuantou bian or suoxiang fang, is described in the *Wuchang County Annals* as follows: “Bian fish, also called bream or suoxiang bian, from Fan Kou is the best in the world. The swirling waters there form bottomless deep pools where fishermen catch them with nets—only the catch from this particular net is exceptionally rich and delicious, surpassing those from other areas.” It is also noted that “the genuine ones have white scales and no black membrane inside the belly.” Wuchang fish primarily feed on plants. They especially love bitter grass and hornwort, both of which are abundant in the Liangzi Lake area and around Fan Kou Harbor. Morphologically and physiologically, Wuchang fish have a round head, thick back, delicate flesh, diamond-shaped sides, a relatively wide mouth, a short dorsal fin, a high caudal peduncle, and fourteen ribs on each side— one more than other types of bream.