The gray mullet, also known as the lạc fish, silver lạc, or mạn lệ ngư, is a marine species found in the waters of Phú Yên, Đà Nẵng, and Cà Mau.
The gray mullet has an appearance similar to that of an eel, featuring a rounded body, long tubular shape, and a front section that is almost circular in cross-section, while the rear section is flattened on one side.
The fish has smooth skin and no scales, with a wide gap between the nostrils, a short, slightly protruding conical snout, and large eyes that can be 2 to 2.5 times the length of the snout.
The lạc fish is divided into two types: yellow lạc with a yellow body, and gray lạc with a gray body.
The lạc fish buries itself in the mud at the bottom and only emerges at night to feed. They use their sharp and pointed teeth to attack prey such as smaller fish and marine organisms.
Adult fish can reach lengths of up to 2 meters and weigh several dozen kilograms. They have sweet flesh, are non-toxic, and are believed to have medicinal properties for treating rheumatism, back pain, and fatigue.
The gray mullet not only has delicious meat but also contains a highly valued item in its belly: the swim bladder.
The swim bladder is low in calories but contains a lot of high-quality protein. Additionally, it is rich in collagen, calcium, vitamins, and minerals, making it very beneficial for health. In particular, dishes made from the swim bladder are said to enhance kidney function and improve vitality.
For women, the swim bladder is an effective remedy for slowing down skin aging due to its collagen content. For children, it serves as a calcium source that aids in bone and brain development.
The swim bladder is currently sold for 9 million VND per kilogram, but its limited production is due to the constant high demand.
