(Baonghean.vn) - Western Nghe An, with its predominantly hilly and mountainous terrain, features rivers with steep slopes and strong currents. This provides ideal conditions for the survival of valuable fish species.
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| The valuable fish species in western Nghe An province all share the common characteristic of living in flowing water. Therefore, catching them is extremely difficult. However, on lucky days, those who "hunt" for giant fish can earn tens of millions of dong in a single night. In the photo: People in My Ly commune, Ky Son district, cast nets to catch fish at night on the Nam Non River. Photo: Ho Phuong. |
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| The most valuable fish in western Nghe An province is the "ca lech" (a type of catfish). This fish has a long, slender, round body, a head with long whiskers, and few bones. It typically lives in caves and crevices where water flows. Each kilogram of "ca lech" costs between 800,000 and 1,000,000 VND, depending on the weight. The larger the fish, the higher the price. To catch "ca lech," people use fishing nets or barbed hooks to spear the fish. "Ca lech" can be grilled, steamed with lemongrass, or used in bamboo shoot soup... Photo: Ho Phuong. |
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| Another fish species with value almost equivalent to the catfish is the snakehead fish. This species has a rather long, sturdy body, a white belly, and a brown upper part. It has very sharp spines on its head. People use longline fishing rods to catch these fish, or they can use layered nets. When catching this fish, carelessness can lead to injury from the two spines on either side. Snakehead fish is easy to prepare and can be cooked in soup with bananas, bamboo shoots, etc. (Photo: Ho Phuong) |
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| Catfish mainly live in caves and feed at night. Therefore, catching catfish is not an easy task. Each kilogram of catfish costs from 500,000 to 800,000 VND/kg depending on the weight of the fish. Photo: Ho Phuong. |
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| Another specialty fish of the rivers and waterways of Western Nghe An is the "ghe" fish. This is a species of fish with a rough body, living at the bottom of rivers. This fish is quite slow compared to other freshwater fish. They usually live in schools. A mature "ghe" fish can weigh up to 50 kg. Each kilogram of "ghe" fish costs from 300,000 to 600,000 VND. The only way to catch "ghe" fish is by using a fishing net. "Ghe" fish is also used to make soup with wild vegetables. Photo: Ho Phuong. |
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| The "cá mát" fish is considered the most popular specialty in western Nghe An province, and it's easier to catch than other species. It's most abundant in Con Cuong and Tuong Duong districts. The Giang River is its main habitat, hence the saying: "Muong Qua rice, Giang River fish." "Cá mát" is caught using nets. It can be stewed, fried, or grilled. Currently, the population of this species is declining drastically. Each kilogram of "cá mát" costs between 200,000 and 400,000 VND. (Photo: Archival image) |
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| The "nose-less" fish is also considered a delicious and valuable fish in western Nghe An province. It's called the "nose-less" fish because of its "special" nose (it lacks a nostril). This species mainly lives in flowing water. A mature fish weighs only about 2 kg. Each kilogram of nose-less fish costs between 150,000 and 250,000 VND. The best ways to enjoy nose-less fish are stewed or fried; it can also be used in a sour soup with starfruit. (Photo: Archival image) |
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| Currently, specialty fish species in western Nghe An province are becoming increasingly scarce, and their prices are rising steadily. Photo: Ho Phuong. |
Ho Phuong
