Eating fish can help save the ecosystem too? People in Chiayi call this meal the “Tiger-Fighting Hero Platter.”

▲ The fish-diverse Zengwen Reservoir experienced an ecological disaster after the introduction of the “tiger among fish,” the Thai snakehead.

Reported and photographed by Chen Hanyin / Chiayi

Hot and steaming fish dishes are served one after another. Among them is the Thai snakehead, also known as the fish tiger, which can weigh up to 20–30 kilograms. Its tender, bouncy, and delicious meat is a delicacy in the eyes of food lovers. But this creature was once a full-blown ecological killer. The fierce fish tiger is an invasive species that was released into the wild, severely damaging the ecological chain of the Zengwen Reservoir. Many local restaurants have started offering “Tiger-Fighting Hero Meals” to use eating as a means to save native fish species.

▲ Grilled fish jaw dish titled “Wings of the Tiger.”

Located within the Siraya National Scenic Area, the Zengwen Reservoir boasts vast waters, crystal-clear quality, abundant fish species, and plentiful catches. Among them, the “Three Treasures and One Pest” are common ingredients used by local restaurants. The treasures include Wuchang fish, president fish, and bamboo fish, while the pest is the fierce fish tiger, which also takes center stage in Chiayi’s tiger-fighting cuisine.

These naturally aggressive invasive fish species were released into the reservoir and, with their strong reproductive abilities and lack of natural predators, quickly took over the entire water body. Many local fish species were found with parts of their tails bitten off when caught, and fish that were commonly seen in childhood have gradually disappeared, lamented locals. As a result, local restaurants have launched special “Tiger-Fighting Sets” to try and eliminate the fish tigers entirely.

▲ “Tiger Brought Low” – poached fish slices served with plum sauce.

▲ “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” – fish tiger flower rolls.

▲ “Rotting Tiger Stirring the Wind” – fermented skin fish rolls with a unique texture, paired with amaranth soup base for exceptional flavor.

There are limited ways to eradicate fish tigers, and eating them is the fastest and most direct method. As a result, restaurants around the Zengwen Reservoir have introduced various dishes such as steamed, pan-fried, and sweet-and-sour fish tiger preparations to defend the ecosystem. Every bite contributes to the fight against the tiger. Locals are also calling again for people not to abuse goodwill or religious reasons to release species indiscriminately, which could cause major ecological disasters for Taiwan’s native species.

Restaurant Information

Chiayi OUDUNA Mountain Resort　
Phone: (05)252-1717
Address: No. 202, Dapu Village, Dapu Township, Chiayi County