Dragon codfishMackerel pikeis a type of fish that ordinary people suspect is passed off as cod by low-quality oil fish. However, many experts also cannot determine if dragon codfish is indeed an oil fish. Until the true nature of dragon codfish is clarified, for everyone's safety, it is recommended to avoid dragon codfish and some cheaper "codfish".

What is dragon codfish

Dragon codfish is actually not a real codfish.Currently in the Chinese market, codfish can generally be categorized into three types: dragon codfish,silver codand water codfish.However, none of these are true codfish; they are oil fish instead.

Due to its excellent taste and high nutritional value, codfish is very popular among consumers. Some merchants take advantage of the ambiguity in Chinese character usage and legal loopholes by playing with the word "cod" to sell low-quality fish.They give names similar to codfish to oil fish, like "dragon codfish".

The true identity of dragon codfish—oil fish—is a deep-sea fish.In terms of weight, more than 40% of the oil fish is wax esters. Because these wax esters have a melting point as high as 99°C and cannot be broken down or absorbed by the human body, it can irritate the intestines leading to diarrhea. The stool will appear orange-yellow oily substance, but there will be no poisoning.It has been reported that in foreign countries, oil fish are often used for industrial purposes. Many nations do not recommend their citizens consume these fish.

Although the wax esters in oil fish are non-toxic, they cannot be digested by humans and accumulate in the rectum. This can cause diarrhea, intestinal cramps, and other discomforts, with fat potentially continuously leaking out from the anus.Symptoms usually appear within 30 minutes after consumption and most people recover within two days.

Is dragon codfish harmful to health

A citizen in Guangzhou reported buying cheap dragon codfish that caused diarrhea. Even their cat showed similar symptoms.Others also complained of diarrhea after eating a cod fillet dish served by a restaurant, with orange liquid expelled from the body.

It is known that this so-called "cod" fish on the market sells for low prices, around 10 yuan per catty.Because it resembles silver cod, merchants call it "dragon codfish" to attract consumers' attention.

According to investigations, dragon codfish has good sales.In seafood wholesale markets, about three out of ten buyers purchase this type of fish.

However, there are no clear answers for the classification and nutritional value of dragon codfish from experts.

It is suggested that those buying low-priced codfish might be getting oil fish. The meat texture is coarse and contains a lot of oils indigestible to humans, which can lead to diarrhea.For health reasons, do not buy cheap codfish.

Difference between dragon codfish and silver cod

Dragon codfish gets its name due to its resemblance to silver cod.However, the nutritional value and texture of these two types of fish are quite different.To protect consumer rights, we must learn how to distinguish between dragon codfish and silver cod.

Silver cod is a cold-water deep-sea fish with tender meat that contains various nutrients. In Europe, it is called "the nutritionist on the table," so generally, what people refer to as cod is usually silver cod.There are many types of codfish, but silver cod is the best. Water cod is also a type of cod, but at a lower price and with less nutritional value.

The cod sold in the market is usually headless and cut into pieces; it's hard for ordinary people to distinguish between silver cod and other types from appearance alone, but by checking the price, scales, and meat texture.True silver cod has tender, fine meat, small scales, and tiny silvery spots. Prices start at 60-70 yuan per catty; any cheaper is not true silver cod.Silver cod has a sweet, smooth taste that can be eaten raw likesalmonwith wasabi.Water cod, on the other hand, has loose and watery meat with a poor texture. The scales are large and hard. Prices are very low.

Can pregnant women eat dragon codfish

As previously mentioned, some consumers reported diarrhea after eating cheap cod fillets they bought themselves, and others reported similar symptoms even when eating dishes served in restaurants containing the same type of cod.

While there were also reports that no one developed these symptoms after consuming similar cod dishes.Can pregnant women eat dragon codfish?

The answer is no.Many people believe that dragon codfish is actually cheap oil fish.These oil fish have up to 40% of their weight as fat.Although this fat has a melting point of 1,000°C, it is not toxic. However, our intestines cannot digest them; they will accumulate in the rectum and irritate the intestines, leading to diarrhea or intestinal cramps.

For the health of pregnant women and their unborn babies, it is recommended not to eat dragon codfish.