Bama oily fish

Fried oily fish, a local delicacy in Bama Yao autonomous county [Photo/gxnd.gov.cn]

Bama oily fish (巴马油鱼/Bama Youyu)

Bama oily fish is a kind of rare fish normally found in the Panjiang River of Bama Yao autonomous county. It is a social species of fish, with adults weighing around 50 grams and being long and round in shape. Their silver scales and white belly flash brightly when they jump out of the water.

Oily fish, as the name implies, become smothered in natural oil when fried. The oil is secreted from the fish's body without sticking to the pan.

The oil doesn't taste or feel greasy as it spills over your lips, and the meat is fresh and tender while the skin is nice and crispy. The bones are small enough to eat, so you don’t need to worry about spitting them out.

The fish is rich in unsaturated fatty acids and essential amino acids. It has a high nutritional value and helps boost brain power. Due to its abundant medicinal value, the oil fish enjoys a reputation as "underwater ginseng".

Bama oily fish is 10 to 15 centimeters long and weighs round 50 grams. [Photo/bama.gov.cn]