What are the four major fish species in China (detailed introduction)

China's four major fishes refer to the four famous household fish in traditional Chinese food culture. They are carp, crucian carp, silver carp and bighead carp. The following is a detailed introduction to these four domestic fish:

1. Carp:

Appearance characteristics: Carp has flat sides, large scales, large mouth clefts, and bifurcated tail fins. Common colors are golden and silver gray.

Habits: Carp is an omnivorous fish and has strong adaptability to water quality. In Chinese culture, carp symbolizes good luck, happiness and perseverance.

Cooking method: Common methods include steamed carp, braised carp, etc. It is a common dish at family dinners or festive banquets.

2. Crucian carp:

Appearance characteristics: Crucian carp has flat sides, a small mouth, and a slightly round abdomen. The common color is silvery gray with black spots on the sides.

Habits: Crucian carp is a freshwater fish with strong adaptability and docile temperament. In Chinese food culture, crucian carp is a common edible fish with a delicious taste.

Cooking methods: Common methods include pickled fish, spicy fish, etc. Crucian carp is also often used to stew or steam.

3. Silver carp:

Appearance characteristics: Silver carp has a long body and slightly flattened sides, a large mouth slit, and a narrow head. The body is usually silvery white with no obvious color spots.

Habits: Silver carp is a freshwater fish that grows rapidly and has strong adaptability. In China, silver carp is widely regarded as a common food fish suitable for household consumption.

Cooking methods: Common methods include sweet and sour silver carp, steamed silver carp, etc., which have a fresh and tender taste.

4. Bighead Carp:

Appearance characteristics: Bighead carp is larger in size, with flat sides, slightly raised back, and smooth scales. The body usually appears silvery gray.

Habits: Bighead carp is a large carnivorous fish found in fresh or brackish water and is one of the important ingredients in traditional Chinese diet.

Cooking methods: Common cooking methods include fried bighead carp with black bean sauce, braised bighead carp, etc. The meat of bighead carp is tender and delicious.

China's four major fish species play an important role in Chinese home-cooked dishes. Their rich taste and cooking methods have won the favor of many people, and also reflect the importance and taste of fish ingredients in Chinese food culture. These domestic fish are not only reflected in taste and nutrition, but also have special meaning as cultural symbols.

animal tags： carp fish