Every rainy season, this fish species migrates to the mountains in search of food.
This fish is featured in a famous folk song that describes its uniqueness: “To eat the Trối fish, one must escape from parents to the village of Tiên.” Through this, we can somewhat visualize this specialty fish from the Tiên village.
According to the Department of Science and Technology of Hà Nam Province, the Trối fish is a rare and endemic species, found only in Tam Chúc Lake, located at the border between Ba Sao Town and Khả Phong Commune, Kim Bảng District, Hà Nam.
The scientific name of the Trối fish is Channa hanamensis n.sp. The Trối fish resembles the snakehead fish and lacks ventral fins, possessing two barbs. The base of its tail fin features a round black spot surrounded by a white ring resembling an eye. Its head is flattened, broad at the top, and tapers on both sides. The fish has a pale brownish-orange or dark olive-brown color with a light white belly; some individuals have numerous small white and yellow spots distributed along the body from the gills to the tail. The flesh of the Trối fish is fragrant, sweet, and devoid of small bones. This species typically measures around 15 to 25 cm in length but can grow up to 30 cm.
The Trối fish is a rare and endemic fish found in Hà Nam Province. (Photo: Internet).
The Trối fish possesses a unique ability to move across dry land, climb trees, and strangle birds, as well as other fish when they are hunted. Scientists believe that the Trối fish can bend its gills and constrict the throats of birds and fish, leading these animals to suffocate when they consider them prey.
When encountering a rainstorm, the Trối fish swims upstream. During the rainy season, this species migrates to the mountains to feed on algae and various plankton. This evokes images of bizarre fish species in American science fiction movies; however, such a fish has long existed in Hà Nam.
According to local descriptions, those who frequently go into the forest often encounter this fish. Therefore, instead of fishing or trapping in the lake, they will climb the mountain slopes to catch them. They primarily appear on the mountain range surrounding Tam Chúc Lake.
Additionally, the Trối fish can live in stagnant pools and even survive for months in dry conditions due to its ability to breathe air. When in the lake, this species prefers to swim in schools of 3 to 5 fish, often biting each other’s tails to swim in circles. The fish only reproduce in natural environments.
During the rainy season, this fish migrates to the mountains to feed on algae and plankton. (Photo: Internet).
During drier periods, they will burrow deep into Tam Chúc Lake to survive. The Trối fish can move across land using its pectoral fins and even knows how to climb trees.
Not only is it scientifically valuable, the Trối fish also has high economic value. With proper investment, Trối fish farming can yield significant income for farmers. However, due to environmental changes and overexploitation, the natural population of Trối fish has dwindled. Recognizing the urgency of conserving and restoring this valuable local fish species to enrich natural aquatic resources, since 2011, the Hà Nam Department of Science and Technology has implemented the project “Research, Conservation, Application, and Development of the Trối Fish in Ba Sao Town, Kim Bảng.” Currently, scientists have successfully developed artificial breeding methods for the Trối fish, achieving a spawning rate of up to 67.5%. It is hoped that in the future, this fish species will further increase in population.
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