RABBITFISH - SPINEFOOT – ISHIGAKIDAI

Rabbit Fish often lives in brackish water at river mouth, in hallow seas with seaweed. In Vietnam, Rabbit fish stays mostly in the central provinces such as: Quang Nam, Thua Thien Hue, Nha Trang, Kien Giang, etc. Rabbit Fish is a specialty in Hue where its recipes appear in special as well as regular and traditional dishes.

Highly variable in life, The rabbit fish’s body is page grayish, with many yellowish-white spots on the head and upper part of the body. The central and lower parts of the body have wavy lines and streaks. The head is yellowish and so are the dorsal and anal fins.

On average, the rabbit fish size range is from 500 to 2000 grams per fish. However, the other sizes are also occasionally available.

Vietnam exports Frozen Rabbit fish to Japan and Hong Kong markets; although the quantity is not high but its value is considerable. Rabbit fish fishery depends heavily on season and climate; therefore, the volume trends to slow down. In recent years people in Hue and other central provinces start growing Golden Rabbit Fish with Black Tiger shrimp in cages along the coast.

Rabbit fish is a very low-fat meat and it has plenty of flavour. Rabbit fish can help to reduce high blood cholesterol levels, improve immune system, strengthen the bones, improve skin and hair health and slow the absorption of sugar in the body, keeping blood sugar levels stable.

Each serving provides:  A, B1, B2, B12, folate, niacin, copper, iron, zinc. Rabbit fish is loved by the Southeast Asian community. The taste of Rabbit fish is sweet and mild. The flesh of Rabbit fish stays very firm when cooked by any methods and it’s good for curries. It flakes apart very easily if poached, so care is needed.

Rabbit Fish, also known as Chinese New Year Fish in mandarin it is often found in the seasons of Lunar New Year. Rabbit Fish symbolises abundance and good luck for the new year.

Rabbit fish are a good food fish and have a firm though somewhat soggy texture. In Cebu they are often stuffed with onions, tomatoes and spices and grilled. Their thick skin helps keep the fish from falling apart while grilling. Rabbit fish have been successfully cultured in ponds and though not an ideal culture fish.