In folk proverbs such as “Summer’s tonic, the first is the field eel” or “Light summer, eel is as good as ginseng,” eels are considered a nutritious and healthy food.
However, there is also a saying, “Even if you’re poor, don’t eat the yellow eel,” implying that not all eels are safe to eat. Among them, the “moon-gazing” eel is considered dangerous.
So, what is the “moon-gazing eel,” and why is it considered hazardous? Let’s delve deeper into this unique eel!
What is the “moon-gazing eel,” and does this type of eel actually exist?
According to folk legends, the “moon-gazing eel” is a type of field eel that is larger than usual, possessing two distinctive characteristics. Firstly, they have a penchant for scavenging on dead animal carcasses, such as dogs or cats found in fields. Secondly, they tend to appear during full moon nights, craning their heads to gaze at the moon, hence the moniker “moon-gazing eel.”
Due to these tales, many believe that moon-gazing eels are unfit for consumption. In some regions, it is even thought that this type of eel is venomous, and consuming it could lead to poisoning or even death.
So, does the “moon-gazing eel” truly exist? If so, how can we identify and avoid the dangers associated with it? Historical records trace the concept of moon-gazing eels back to the Ming dynasty in China, where a young man allegedly died from poisoning after consuming such an eel. Since then, folk tales have perpetuated the belief that moon-gazing eels are highly toxic.
However, these are merely legends, and there is no concrete evidence to support the notion that field eels are venomous. In Vietnam, consuming field eels has been a long-standing tradition, spanning from the South to the North, without any reported cases of poisoning or fatalities following eel consumption.
In reality, when catching eels, you may observe them lifting their heads above the water surface. This typically occurs when the water is polluted or lacks oxygen, forcing the eels to surface for air.
Field eels are primarily nocturnal, especially active during bright moonlit nights, making them easier to catch when they venture out for food.
Although elders in rural areas believe that larger eels, referred to as “moon-gazing eels,” are less tasty and potentially dangerous, most of these stories are rooted in folklore and lack scientific substantiation.
Why should we refrain from eating the “moon-gazing eel”?
According to folk beliefs, moon-gazing eels often feed on decaying animal carcasses, a dietary habit common among field eels. Eels are carnivorous and possess a diverse appetite, consuming small fish, shrimp, frogs, birds, and even snakes. When food is scarce, they will scavenge on dead animals like dogs or cats.
Larger eels are more likely to have accumulated higher levels of toxins and parasites from their diet, making them potentially unsafe for consumption.
Secondly, larger eels are believed to be more venomous. While the toxin is not present in the meat but mainly in the eel’s blood, the toxicity increases with the eel’s size. Compared to smaller eels, thoroughly cooking and removing all the internal organs and blood from larger eels becomes more challenging. Inadequate cooking significantly increases the risk of poisoning.
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