Also known as mandarin fish, flower carp, soft-fleshed fish, fresh flower fish, stone osmanthus fish, flower grass carp, and Chinese perch.Mandarin fish are a highly valued freshwater species in the world.Their body is long and flat, with a pointed head, large mouth, and large eyes. The body color is apple green with metallic luster, and there are irregular dark spots on both sides. They have small scales, truncated caudal fins, hard spines in the front part of the dorsal fin that contain toxins, and soft rays at the rear.The flesh of mandarin fish is fine, tender, plump, and richly flavored; it has no gallbladder and few bones, making it a top-grade fish.Ming Dynasty medical scholar Li Shizhen referred to mandarin fish as"water hog",indicating its exceptionally delicious taste. Some also compare its flavor to dragon meat in the sky, highlighting the extraordinary taste of mandarin fish.
