Cá cóc is a characteristic dish of the people in the western river region. We can make countless delicious dishes from this fish such as cá cóc kho nu?c d?a (snakehead fish braised in coconut water), cá cóc n?u canh chua (snakehead fish sour soup), cá cóc nu?ng (grilled snakehead fish),… Let’s find out more about cá cóc in the following article.
1 What is snakehead fish?
Sá cóc, scientifically known as Cyclocheilichthys enoplos, belongs to the carp family Cyprinidae. The snakehead fish has a long diamond shape, white scales, red fins, and usually weighs about 5kg, but can reach up to 10kg. On the back of the snakehead fish, there are extremely sharp fin rays. Additionally, the meat of the snakehead fish contains numerous Y-shaped bones and small spines. Moreover, the rare type of turmeric snakehead fish has a yellow skin and the flesh also has a shiny yellow color like turmeric.
The snakehead fish inhabits the lower reaches of the Mekong River or large tributaries. In Vietnam, snakehead fish are usually found in whirlpool areas, deep areas, or wharves along the Tien River, Hau River, such as My Thuan (Vinh Long), Cai Be (Tien Giang), Vam Nao (An Giang),… Snakehead fish is easier to catch during the sunny season when there are many spawning and adult fish. In the rainy season, the fish swim against the current back to the Tien River and Hau River to find food.
What is snakehead fish
The name “cá cóc” is explained as a mispronunciation of the Cambodian way of naming fish, and it has nothing to do with the frog “Mr. Sky God” or describing its appearance.
2 Where to buy snakehead fish? How much does it cost?
Currently, snakehead fish is heavily hunted and not scientifically managed, so it is often scarce. That is why, the market price of snakehead fish is quite high, about 420,000 – 450,000 VND/kg. You can buy snakehead fish at markets, snakehead fish farms, or easily order online on specialized websites for selling fish or seafood.
Where to buy snakehead fish, how much does it cost
3 How to choose delicious snakehead fish
The scales are the most valuable part of the snakehead fish. Therefore, when choosing fish, you should choose fish with shiny and evenly colored scales for the perfect crispiness when fried. In addition, because the snakehead fish has many small spines and Y-shaped bones, you should choose slightly heavier fish to avoid getting stuck while eating.
How to choose delicious snakehead fish
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