Why is this fish species so rare?
A Fish with a Unique Appearance
Starry stingray, also known as black-spotted stingray, was once an overlooked species but has now become a rare delicacy in Vietnam. This species is endemic to the Tiền Giang region. Not only is it a local specialty, but it also serves as a symbol of local culinary culture.
The starry stingray, also known as the black-spotted stingray, was once an overlooked species. (Photo: Nature).
The starry stingray, scientifically known as Aetobatus narinari, or commonly referred to as spotted eagle ray, is a species of cartilaginous fish belonging to the Myliobatidae family. It can be found globally in tropical regions, including the Gulf of Mexico, Hawaii, off the coast of West Africa, the Indian Ocean, the Pacific Ocean, and along both coasts of the Americas at depths of approximately 80 meters. The starry stingray is typically seen swimming alone but can occasionally be found in groups.
This species is characterized by its disc-shaped body, which is twice as wide as it is long, and a long, conical snout at the front. Overall, when the starry stingray swims underwater, it resembles a kite soaring in the sky.
Starry stingrays are often seen swimming alone, but sometimes they swim in groups. (Photo: Nature).
Its body is adorned with white spots resembling stars. Additionally, the fish has bulging, round eyes and small dorsal fins. The diameter of its eyes matches the length of its spiracles; it has horizontal nostrils, a large, wide mouth; the bottom of the mouth features two rows of fleshy ridges, and it has narrow pectoral fins, with a small dorsal fin that is nearly rectangular; the tail is quite small, measuring 1.5 times the length of its disc body, with one tail spine.
The starry stingray belongs to the ray family, but it is considered rarer and tastier than common rays. The meat of the starry stingray is especially delicious and tender when weighing between 1 to 2 kg, contrasting with larger specimens over 3 kg that tend to have tougher and less tender flesh. It can be prepared in many enticing dishes, such as deep-fried, in hot pots, stir-fried with garlic and chili, or grilled. One of the favored dishes is steamed starry stingray served with rice paper, preserving its natural flavor without being tainted by spices.
The Rarity of Starry Stingray
In addition to its culinary value, the starry stingray is also known as an important source of protein, beneficial for digestion and cardiovascular health. For children, the fish provides DHA to support brain development and vision; for the elderly, it helps prevent memory loss and strokes.
The meat of starry stingray is an important source of protein, beneficial for digestion and cardiovascular health. (Photo: Nature).
According to Saigon Economic Times Online, the starry stingray has now become “a rare treasure.” Fishermen who encounter this species are considered extremely lucky.
As reported by One World Magazine, the starry stingray used to inhabit deep waters from Vũng Tàu to Cà Mau. Fishermen would often catch starry stingrays while at sea and bring them ashore to serve as a dish for friends, rather than selling them. If they caught many, they would fillet and dry the meat for preservation. However, since 2010, for unknown reasons, the starry stingray has gradually become scarce and is now regarded as a rare specialty. In fishing trips, it is rare for a boat to catch 1-2 starry stingrays.
Dry starry stingray is a specialty of Tiền Giang. (Photo: NTT’S LOUISIANA SEAFOOD).
The nutritional value and rarity of the starry stingray have made it an essential part of high-end restaurant menus, as well as a sought-after item for seafood lovers wanting to experience its unique flavor. The price of starry stingray is not cheap, ranging from 1 million to 1.3 million VND per kilogram of fresh fish and can reach up to 4 million VND per kilogram for dried fish.
