Fuyuan Mandarin Fish

Fuyuan Mandarin Fish

Fuyuan Mandarin Fish is a product certified with a geographical indication for agricultural products.

　　A Delicacy Among Fish: The Mandarin Fish

　　The mandarin fish from Qianshao Farm, Fuyuan County, Heilongjiang Province, scientifically named Siniperca chuatsi and also commonly known as the osmanthus fish, is counted among China’s “Four Famous Freshwater Fish,” alongside the Yellow River carp, the four-lobed perch of Songjiang, and the large soft-rayed fish of Xingkai Lake. Though production is limited, its distribution is broad—found in rivers and lakes across most of China, excluding the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau—with those from the Songhua River being particularly prized. 　　Mandarin fish are typical carnivores—newly hatched fry prey on other fish, while adults mainly consume smaller, less commercially valuable fish species. They feature striking yellowish-green bodies marked with irregular black spots or blotches, which serve as camouflage. These fish often dwell in the lower sections of slow-moving, vegetation-rich riverbanks, sometimes hiding in mud burrows to ambush prey. Once they spot food, they move in quietly, strike swiftly, and ambush their target. 　　Mandarin fish in Heilongjiang usually become sexually mature at three years old, reaching about 25 cm in length. Spawning occurs in June, during which male fish chase females in calm waters. Females lay eggs in the water, followed by males releasing sperm for external fertilization. At temperatures between 23–25°C, hatching occurs in just over 50 hours. A single female can carry between 60,000 to 80,000 eggs, with some producing over 200,000. 　　Steamed mandarin fish is a classic and well-loved dish in Heilongjiang, known for its tender meat and light, delicious broth.

　　Heilongjiang’s Fuyuan County is home to two major river systems—the Heilongjiang and Wusuli Rivers—spanning a total of 268 kilometers within the county. In particular, the area contains numerous unpolluted lakes and ponds. With a mild climate, abundant sunlight, ample rainfall, and a healthy ecological environment, the county has established four free-range fish farming bases: the Dali Jia Lake, Wulong Lake, Luqing River, and Shuangsheng bases. 　　Mandarin fish boasts snow-white, tender, and delicious flesh, free of small bones and high in protein. Each kilogram of edible portion contains over 19% protein, more than 80% fat, 78–109 kcal of energy, over 120 mg of calcium, 1070–1430 mg of phosphorus, 0.07–5.6 mg of iron, 0.01 mg of thiamine, 0.10 mg of riboflavin, and 1.9 mg of niacin. It offers excellent nutritional benefits for children, the elderly, and those with weak digestive systems—providing nourishment without causing digestive strain. The fish is also believed to have anti-tuberculosis properties, aiding in recovery from lung disease. With low calorie content and rich antioxidants, it is an ideal choice for health-conscious individuals seeking both flavor and beauty benefits. 　　Historically considered a premium fish, the mandarin fish—scientifically Siniperca chuatsi—is native to China and, together with the Xingkai Lake whitefish, Yellow River carp, and Songjiang four-lobed perch, is honored as one of the “Four Famous Freshwater Fish.” However, Heilongjiang’s mandarin fish stand out due to the region’s pristine, unpolluted waters and long, cold winters that result in slower growth and exceptionally tender, flavorful, snow-white flesh. Whether red-braised, stewed, or fried, the fish delivers a fragrant and delicious taste—especially renowned is the “pine nut mandarin fish,” beloved across the province. Together with the bream flower and crucian flower, it forms the esteemed “Three Flowers,” a rare delicacy served to honored guests by local fishermen.

　　Geographical Scope

　　Fuyuan County is located in the northeastern frontier of China, spanning longitude 133°40′ to 135°5′20″ and latitude 47°25′30″ to 48°27′40″, covering a total area of 6,262.48 square kilometers. It borders Russia to the east and north across the Heilongjiang and Wusuli Rivers, neighbors Raohe County to the south, and connects to Tongjiang County to the west. The county encompasses 268 kilometers of the main channels of the Heilongjiang and Wusuli Rivers, rich in fishery resources including 105 fish species from 72 genera and 21 families, among which 59 are economically important. 　　Fuyuan County directly administers four towns and townships—Haiqing Township, Zhuaji Town, Tongjiang Township, and Fuyuan Town—with a total of 26,753 hectares of water surface that serve as key spawning and growth areas for fish. Currently, 12 fish products—including carp, grass carp, silver carp, and crucian carp—have obtained national Ministry of Agriculture pollution-free agricultural product certification, while salmon and sturgeon have been awarded organic certifications. The annual yield of Fuyuan mandarin fish is approximately 4 tons.

　　Product Quality Characteristics

　　1. External Sensory Features: Fuyuan mandarin fish have a tall, laterally compressed body with a raised back. They feature a large mouth, with the lower jaw noticeably longer than the upper. Both jaws, as well as the vomer, palatine, and opercular bones, are equipped with teeth of varying sizes. The posterior edge of the preoperculum is serrated, with four large spines on the lower margin, and the posterior edge of the operculum has two large spines. The head is covered with fine scales, and the lateral line curves upward along the dorsal arc. 　　The dorsal fin is divided into two parts, connected to each other, with the front section consisting of hard spines and the rear made up of soft fin rays. The body is yellowish-green with a grayish-white belly, and features irregular dark brown spots and patches along the sides. A narrow black stripe extends from the snout, through the eye socket, to below the front part of the dorsal fin. The flesh is snow-white, tender, delicious, and free of small bones. 　　2. Internal Quality Indicators: Fuyuan mandarin fish contain ≥19% protein, ≥3% crude fat, ≥120 mg calcium per kg, ≥1100 mg phosphorus, ≥3 mg zinc, ≥190 mg magnesium, and ≥80% unsaturated fatty acids. 　　3. Safety Requirements: Fuyuan mandarin fish comply with GB/T18407.4-2001 standards for pollution-free aquatic product growing environments; the production environment adheres to NY5051-2001 standards for water quality in non-polluting freshwater aquaculture; and the final product meets NY5053-2005 standards for non-polluting common freshwater fish.