Dianchi High-Back Crucian Carp

Dianchi High-Back Crucian Carp

　　Dianchi High-Back Crucian Carp is a native fish species of Dianchi Lake. In the mid-1970s, a naturally formed triploid crucian carp population emerged in Dianchi Lake and its water systems. It is an all-female group that reproduces by gynogenesis, maintaining stable genetic traits and population continuity, thus becoming a rising star in the crucian carp family. The Dianchi High-Back Crucian Carp is a precious native fish species in our province, with a certain population in rivers and lakes such as Dianchi Lake, Xingyun Lake, Chenghai, Niuwan River, and Jinsha River. It boasts ample germplasm resources and is a protected species within the Dianchi National Aquatic Germplasm Resources Reserve.

　　　　The Dianchi High-Back Crucian Carp has a spindle-shaped body, with a body length about 2.28 times its body height. Its color is silver-gray, darker on the back and lighter on the belly. It prefers to school, especially in shallow waters with fertile substrates where it feeds and resides. It is omnivorous, mainly feeding on humus and nutrient detritus, which helps clean bottom impurities. It also consumes some algae, contributing to better water purification. The High-Back Crucian Carp has strong adaptability and can thrive in lakes, reservoirs, ponds, and dam ponds, with an optimal growth temperature of 24–30°C. This fish grows rapidly, has strong reproductive capabilities, high disease resistance, and larger individual size, making it easy to farm. Typically, at two years old, it can reach 300–500 grams, and at three years, individuals over 1,000 grams are common, with the largest reaching up to 3,000 grams.

　　　　The meat of the Dianchi High-Back Crucian Carp is delicious, tender, and highly palatable. Crucian carp is extremely nutritious, with 13 grams of protein and 11 grams of fat per 100 grams of flesh. It also contains abundant minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, and iron. Notably, its nutrition is well-rounded—with high sugar content and low fat—resulting in a taste that is both fresh and tender without being greasy, and even slightly sweet. The protein in High-Back Crucian Carp is high-quality, complete, and easily digestible, making it an excellent protein source for patients with liver, kidney, cardiovascular, or cerebrovascular diseases. Regular consumption can supplement nutrition and enhance disease resistance. The fish has health benefits such as strengthening the spleen, eliminating dampness, harmonizing the middle energizer, stimulating appetite, activating blood circulation, improving circulation, warming the middle energizer, and regulating qi. It is highly nourishing and therapeutic for conditions such as weak spleen and stomach, edema, ulcers, bronchitis, asthma, and diabetes. Traditionally, postpartum women are often served crucian carp soup to replenish their strength and promote lactation. Those with congenital deficiencies, acquired imbalances, or those weakened after surgery or illness can benefit greatly from regularly eating High-Back Crucian Carp. Patients with hepatitis, nephritis, hypertension, heart disease, and chronic bronchitis may also consume it regularly to supplement nutrition and boost immunity. The fish roe can nourish the liver and improve vision, while the fish brain has brain-boosting and cognitive-enhancing effects. Suitable for all people, as an ancient medical text says: “It harms no illness and is the only fish among all that can be consumed regularly.” Recommended serving size is 40 grams per meal.

　　　　Dianchi High-Back Crucian Carp can be prepared in various ways, including braised crucian carp, steamed crucian carp, clear soup crucian carp, deep-fried crucian carp (suitable for smaller individuals under 100 grams), salted crucian carp, spicy and sour crucian carp, pan-fried and stewed crucian carp, and dried crucian carp. Among these, steaming and clear soup preparations offer the best nutritional benefits and are most suitable for winter consumption. Cooking crucian carp with tofu in a stew is generally the most nutritious everyday option.