Oct 18, 2025

The "Oceanic Origins" of Red-lipped Fish Maw: Unveiling the Source and Nourishing Miracles of this Deep-Sea Treasure!

Tracing the "source of life" of red-lipped fish maw

Red-mouthed fish maw, or simply red-mouthed fish maw for short, is a dried product made from the swim bladder of the red-mouthed wrasse (or red-mouthed fish), a rare fish from the deep sea. This fish maw is extremely well-known in the coastal areas of South China, especially in the Chaoshan region. There has been an old saying that "those with money can eat fish maw, those without money should not eat it," which shows its high value and extraordinary status.

1. The Prestige and Biological Basis of Fish Species

The main fish species used to make red-mouthed maw are the two types of yellow croaker ( Protonibea diacanthus) and brown croaker ( Megalonibea fusca ). Although they look similar, their swim bladders (the raw material for fish maw) are slightly different in structure and morphology.

Regional names: The red-mouthed croaker resembles a perch in appearance. In the Chaoshan and Minnan regions, it is called "red-mouthed croaker", in the Zhanjiang area it is called "silver croaker", in the Wenzhou area it is called "golden croaker", and in Southeast Asia it is called "black croaker".
A Gift from the Deep Sea: Fish maw is the swim bladder of fish, used to regulate buoyancy. Because large fish species like the mandarin fish inhabit deep-sea environments where humans rarely visit, their swim bladders often grow exceptionally thick. This unique growing environment endows red-mouthed fish maw with higher collagen and protein content, laying the foundation for its nourishing properties, often referred to as "marine ginseng."

2. Scarcity of wild resources and global production areas

The history of red-lipped maw can be traced back to before the liberation and into the mid-1980s, when there were abundant wild red-lipped maw fishing seasons in the coastal waters of China (such as Zhejiang, Fujian, and Zhanjiang and Taishan in Guangdong). However, due to years of overfishing, especially since the mid-1980s, the wild resources along the domestic coast have been basically depleted, and even face the risk of extinction.

Current wild sources: Today, most of the wild-caught red-lipped maw available on the market comes from the Indo-Pacific region . These sources include Vietnam, Thailand, India, Indonesia, Pakistan, and northern Australia.
Top-tier production area: It is widely recognized in the industry that Myanmar is one of the best producers of red-lipped maw, and many top-quality Taishan red-lipped maw products now originate from the waters off Myanmar.
Current status of aquaculture: In order to cope with the scarcity of wild resources, coastal areas of China, especially the Chaoshan and Minnan regions (such as Raoping in Chaozhou and Dongshan Island in Zhangzhou), have been developing marine cage culture of red-lipped shad since the late 1990s.

Red-lipped maw: The most complex classification system

The classification of red-lipped maw is the most complex among all fish maw varieties. Its name not only reflects the fish species, but is also closely related to the place of origin, style, and even the fishermen's processing methods.

1. Male and female bladders: differences in taste and value

Like most high-grade fish maw, red-mouthed maw is also divided into male and female maw, which differ significantly in taste, uses and market price.

Male swim bladder (male fish maw): Shaped like a saddle (such as the Taishan red-mouthed male swim bladder), it has a thick, firm, and smooth body with two air vents (vents next to the nasolabial folds). The most distinctive feature of the male swim bladder is its resistance to overcooking and its resistance to dissolving (it doesn't "leak"), allowing the collagen to be locked in, resulting in an excellent texture. It is best suited for braising or stewing fish maw. The male swim bladder is considered "medicinal grade" fish maw and is highly regarded in the Hong Kong market, often referred to as "Guangdong swim bladder."
Female swim bladder: The gelatinous substance is of uniform thickness and tends to "leak" after cooking, resulting in a softer, stickier texture. While its medicinal properties are not as potent as male swim bladder, its rich collagen protein dissolves in the broth, making it more suitable for soups and desserts. Female swim bladder is typically about half the price of male swim bladder.

2. Top-tier and special models

Red-mouthed maw can be further divided into several varieties based on its appearance and origin, including:

Zhanjiang Chizui and Taishan Chizui: Originally named after their place of origin, they are now often used as synonyms for specific styles. Taishan Chizui, due to its saddle-like shape, is widely recognized as being of superior quality.
Red Chicken Red-Beak and Sishui Red-Beak: Both are popular varieties in the market, with Red Chicken's collagen usually being more delicate than Sishui Red-Beak.
Big-eared red-mouthed: mainly from the swim bladder of the brown-haired catfish, characterized by two large "ears" at the head of the swim bladder (which can account for 25% to 30% of the total length of the swim bladder).
Thick-bellied red lips: This specifically refers to red lips with superior quality, extremely high transparency, and a delicate texture like "glass flesh," making it the best among red lips.
Stone Belly (the aristocrat among red-lipped gudgeon): This is a top-grade variety of red-lipped gudgeon maw that stands out from the rest. It is often made from the highest quality red-lipped gudgeon maw, crafted into a unique shape, and is priced much higher than other red-lipped gudgeon. Early "first-generation stone belly" pieces, originating from the extinct wild red-lipped gudgeon of Hong Kong, can be worth hundreds of thousands of dollars.

The "Nutritional Miracle" of Red-lipped Fish Maw: Efficacy and Suitable Population

The reason why red-mouthed maw is hailed as a "nourishing delicacy" lies in its high content of high-quality nutrients and its outstanding therapeutic and restorative abilities.

1. Nutritional composition: High in protein, low in fat

Red-mouthed maw has extremely high nutritional value and is an ideal tonic.

Protein and Collagen: The protein content is extremely high, reaching 76% to 84.2%. Among them, collagen can account for more than 80% of the total protein.
Low-fat and low-calorie: Extremely low in fat, ranging from approximately 0.2% to 4.0%. Also low in unsaturated fatty acids, resulting in relatively low calories, making it suitable for health-conscious individuals.
Trace elements: Rich in trace elements such as calcium, zinc, iron, and selenium, as well as vitamins A, D, and E (with the highest vitamin E content and the highest calcium content among minerals).

2. The efficacy of Traditional Chinese Medicine and modern medicine

(A) From the perspective of Traditional Chinese Medicine: Tonifying the kidneys and replenishing essence, nourishing yin and blood

From the perspective of traditional Chinese medicine, red-mouthed fish maw has a wider range of dietary therapeutic effects.

Core function: It has a sweet taste and neutral properties. It is recorded in the "Compendium of Materia Medica" and has the effects of tonifying the kidney and replenishing essence, nourishing tendons and veins, nourishing yin and tonifying the kidney, and strengthening the body's functions.
Targeted treatment: Used to treat lower back and knee pain, and postpartum weakness. It also has hemostatic and analgesic effects. Modern research also supports its unique bioactivity in tonifying the kidneys and promoting sperm production, and improving infertility .

(B) From a Western medical perspective: Repair and collagen replenishment

Although the absorption and conversion of collagen is controversial (collagen is not a high-quality protein and is not easily absorbed directly; it ultimately needs to be broken down into amino acids for reuse), in modern nutrition science, red-mouthed fish maw is still a valuable collagen carrier and has a positive effect on the repair of bodily functions.

Repair and Immunity: Collagen helps strengthen bones, repair soft tissues in joints , and plays a role in preventing osteoporosis. Its rich content of minerals such as zinc and selenium enhances the body's immune function.
Wound healing: Red-mouthed fish maw (especially Taishan red-mouthed fish maw) is renowned for its wound-healing and blood-nourishing effects. It is an ideal natural tonic for post-operative care, after cesarean section, or recovery from illness.

3. A highly recommended product for pregnant women and postpartum women.

Red-lipped maw is especially valued for its nourishing properties during pregnancy and postpartum recovery, and is a traditional family heirloom in the Chaoshan region.

Prenatal care: Consuming a moderate amount of red-mouthed maw during pregnancy can help improve pregnancy reactions (such as nausea and vomiting) and promote fetal brain development.
Postpartum recovery and hemostasis: Red-mouthed maw has excellent hemostatic effects. Consuming it during pregnancy and childbirth can enhance the pregnant woman's blood clotting function , which is beneficial for placental separation and rapid and effective postpartum hemostasis. Postpartum consumption can accelerate uterine recovery , reduce postpartum bleeding, prevent anemia, and help promote milk production .

4. Dietary restrictions and suitable populations

Red-mouthed fish maw is suitable for most people, especially those recovering from surgery, postpartum women, those with dry skin, middle-aged and elderly people, and those with kidney deficiency and essence depletion. However, the following contraindications should be noted:

Not suitable for: Women during menstruation, and those suffering from acute colds, fever, or acute inflammation.
Caution advised: Individuals with excessive internal damp-heat should avoid excessive consumption. Those allergic to fish maw protein, or those with weak spleen and stomach, or severe diarrhea, should also exercise caution. Pregnant women should consume in moderation and consult a professional.

Precious heritage, professional recycling

The "oceanic origins" of red-mouthed fish maw embody the mysteries of the deep sea and the wisdom of fishermen, while its "nourishing miracle" combines hundreds of years of traditional Chinese medicine and modern scientific evidence. Every piece of red-mouthed fish maw, whether it's a vintage product passed down through generations or a top-quality wild male maw, represents a cherishing of health and a continuation of tradition.

As a professional fish maw recycler, Jin Haisheng understands the true value of these seafood delicacies. We possess extensive industry knowledge and a professional appraisal team. Whether you have extremely rare stone maw , top-quality Taishan red-mouthed male maw , or other high-grade fish maw, we can provide you with the most professional and competitive price assessment.

Don't let these treasures from the deep sea go to waste or be buried! Contact us now to give your precious red snapper maw the value it deserves and continue its mission of nourishing and health-promoting.

Jin Haisheng – Your Professional Seafood Recycling Partner

Business Name	Jin Haisheng
Service Content	We professionally recycle various seafood delicacies such as fish maw, cordyceps, bird's nest, and dried abalone.
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