Danzhou Red Fish Jerky

Danzhou Red Fish Jerky

Danzhou Red Fish Jerky is a geographical indication certification trademark.

　　In the vast waters of China's South China Sea, especially in the Beibu Gulf fishing grounds, there lives a unique bottom-dwelling fish of the region—the red fish. It is large in size, has thick flesh, and boasts a delicious taste, making it one of the important economic fish species in the South China Sea. During fishing seasons, particularly in spring and autumn, fishermen can catch a considerable amount of red fish to supply the market.

　　The red fish’s scientific name is Lutjanus erythropterus, also known as red snapper or red fish. Taxonomically, it belongs to the Lutjanidae family and the Lutjanus genus. This fish has an oval body that is slightly laterally compressed, typically measuring 20 to over 40 centimeters in length and weighing around 2 to 3 kilograms. It has a relatively large head, is covered with medium to large-sized ctenoid scales, has a complete lateral line running parallel to the dorsal edge, and features a wide, protruding interorbital space. Its entire body is bright red, hence the common name “red fish.”

　　Fishing Methods for Red Fish: Red fish prefer to live in sea areas with depths of 50 to 90 meters where the seabed consists of mud or sandy mud. Unless there is a sudden climate change, they generally begin spawning from October to November each year, with the eggs hatching by the end of April or May of the following year. As a carnivorous fish, smaller species such as threadfin bream and silver sillago often make up their diet. Fishermen capture red fish based on their swimming habits and feeding behavior. There are two main fishing methods: one involves using motorized fishing vessels and larger boats equipped with large bottom trawls; the other is building specialized red fish fishing boats and using longline fishing techniques to “hook” them.

　　Seafood Delicacy: Red fish grows robust and healthy by preying on smaller fish, and thus typically lives for four to five years, with some living over seven years. They also grow quite large, with thick flesh, few bones, and delicious meat that is high in protein and rich in nutrients. As a result, they are classified as premium seafood fish and are famous for being a delicious seafood delicacy. The red fish jerky produced in Danzhou, Hainan, and the red fish tubes from Lingao are among Hainan’s renowned specialties.