Sesame swordfish

Sesame swordfish (芝麻剑鱼/Zhima Jianyu)

This prized freshwater swordfish, along with striped dwarf catfish, is only found in the Hongshui River basin. It takes its name from the sesame-like spots on its body. The adult fish normally weighs three to five kilograms, with the largest reaching 15 to 20 kg.

This fish is the most popular dish in Tian'e county thanks to its sweet tender flavor, lack of toxicity and high fat content. Because of the difficulties involved in breeding and farming the fish, annual harvests are less than 10 tons, giving the fish a precious nature.