Why is the price of the finest type of fish maw, the golden threadfin maw, so high?

As is well known, the golden threadfin bream is considered the "king of fish maws," ranking first among all fish maws. It is extremely rare and the most valuable variety of fish maw, often described as "as precious as gold." An American media outlet once published a list of the nine most expensive foods in the world, and the golden threadfin bream was among them.

Whole golden ray fish maw has long been highly regarded in the Chaoshan, Fujian, and Hong Kong regions. It possesses extremely high medicinal value, with excellent hemostatic properties, particularly effective for postpartum hemorrhage and severe gastrointestinal bleeding in pregnant women. It also shows significant benefits for the postoperative recovery of seriously ill patients. In the past, when medical technology was less advanced, the miraculous hemostatic effects and other medicinal benefits of golden ray fish maw were widely known among the people .

The most distinctive feature of whole goldfish maw is its two long "whiskers". Chaoshan people classify it into "small whisker goldfish maw" and "large whisker goldfish maw" according to the size of the "whiskers".

Whole fish maw has always been highly regarded. Its most important advantage over other fish maws is its ability to quickly stop bleeding and various types of internal bleeding. This efficacy is supported by numerous examples in traditional medicine, and modern scientific research has shown that its hemostatic effect is comparable to Yunnan Baiyao (a traditional Chinese medicine).
1. Small amount of money

The small-whiskered golden ray , also known as the Hong Kong golden ray, is the most valuable and highest quality variety of fish maw. It was abundant in the 1960s and 70s, but almost disappeared from the population starting in the mid-to-late 1980s. Most surviving small-whiskered golden ray maw is over 30 years old. Its rarity, coupled with its extremely high medicinal value, has driven its price up more than 3,000 times in the last two or three decades, and it is now primarily collected by connoisseurs.
The small-whiskered softshell turtle has two small, long whiskers. Some small-whiskered softshell turtles have whiskers as fine as silk, and are called "silk thread softshell turtles". The heaviest small-whiskered softshell turtles can weigh up to 3 catties. According to the saying "one catty of fish yields one catty of glue", the fish can weigh more than 300 catties.
From an appearance standpoint, the small-whiskered softshell turtle has the following characteristics:

1. The characteristic of the "whiskers" is that they are straight from head to tail, and there are no tooth-like edges on both sides of the "whiskers".
2. There is a V-shaped straight-lined gel at the middle of the head of the colloid, which is known in the industry as the "coin tongue". If the colloid is cut in the middle, the "coin tongue" is distributed on both sides of the colloid.
3. The surface of the colloid head is not smooth, with some protruding gel on both sides, commonly known as "Bagua".
4. In the middle of the upper part of the colloid, there is a naturally formed small hole, called the "coin hole".
5. When held up to the light, the gelatinous texture on the front of the small coin shows "water ripples," while the back is relatively smooth.
6. The male swab taken from the male fish (i.e., the male belly of the small-whiskered goldfish) has a pair of nasolabial folds on its body, which are particularly noticeable on the back. The flesh is of "thick and thin flesh", that is, the body is "thick in the middle and thin on both sides" or thin in the middle and thick on both sides. The female belly taken from the female fish does not have nasolabial folds, and the entire body is of uniform thickness.
The small-whiskered goldfish - Yellow croaker

The small-whiskered golden threadfin bream, scientifically known as the yellow croaker, belongs to the genus *Crotonus* of the family Sciaenidae. It is a rare and precious large marine fish, endemic to China. Yellow croakers can reach lengths of up to 2 meters and weigh over 100 kilograms, making them the largest species in the Sciaenidae family of the South China Sea and one of the largest Sciaenidae species in the world.
The yellow croaker was an endangered species. Severe overfishing driven by profit, coupled with economic development and deteriorating aquatic quality, brought it to the brink of extinction. From the early 1980s onwards, the number of yellow croakers caught each year was not only negligible, but their size also decreased year by year. By 1997, the yellow croaker had become extinct in Hong Kong, becoming the first species in modern Hong Kong waters to go extinct due to human activity.
The medicinal value of the yellow croaker and its swim bladder:
The yellow croaker is a treasure trove of benefits. Its swim bladder is a highly effective medicine for treating postpartum hemorrhage in women and also a good remedy for infertility; its gills are a good medicine for treating coughs; and its scales have significant effects on bronchitis, laryngitis, and cracked lips. The yellow croaker meat is rich in protein and is a high-quality protein source (although it's said the meat is not tasty, being too dry). Folklore says the yellow croaker liver is poisonous, so people dare not eat it. However, a fearless food-loving cadre from the Pingyang County Fisheries Bureau boldly tried it in the 1970s. For one or two days after eating it, his face returned to normal. On the third day, his face began to peel, becoming mottled. A week later, the old skin had completely peeled off, and new skin grew, making him look youthful and healthy again.

The swim bladder of the yellow croaker, also known as the small-whiskered golden croaker, is considered in Traditional Chinese Medicine to have the effects of strengthening the body, replenishing vital energy, and improving overall health. It is also believed to have significant benefits for postoperative recovery. Its special liver and kidney tonifying effects are comparable to ginseng, and it is excellent at stopping bleeding. Combined with other Chinese medicines, it can be used to treat tuberculosis, esophageal cancer, rheumatic heart disease, allergic purpura, and aplastic anemia.

Clinical case studies of small-whiskered golden threadfin bream maw:
Real Case 1:
In a report discussing the therapeutic value of fish swim bladders for hemorrhage, experts and scholars from the Biology and Medical Colleges of Shantou University clearly recorded relevant cases, using local Hong Kong-made small-bearded golden coin fish maw, providing valuable empirical evidence. The patient, Mr. Gao, a 35-year-old married engineer, presented with disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). He was admitted to the Infectious Diseases Department of the First Hospital of Shantou City in the autumn of that year due to high fever, jaundice, and hemoptysis for two days. Symptoms included: yellow skin like orange peel, high fever, thirst, wheezing, coughing, vomiting; hematemesis, hemoptysis, gingivitis, hematuria, hematochezia, epistaxis, facial redness, and rashes all over the body. His vomiting, epistaxis, and hemoptysis were gushing like a spring; restlessness, flailing arms and legs, delirium; red tongue without saliva; and a rapid, forceful pulse.
Physician Liu Wushi immediately diagnosed it as a critical condition: "Yang jaundice with maculopapular toxicity, severe bleeding from all nine orifices, and burning of both qi and blood." Western medicine diagnosed it as subacute liver necrosis (then called "yellow liver shrinkage") complicated by DIC. Based on modern comprehensive treatment, he urgently administered a modified "Rhinoceros Horn and Rehmannia Decoction for Resolving Maculopapular Blemishes." After two doses, the bleeding decreased; after three days, vomiting and bloody stools stopped; and after seven days, the maculopapular lesions and fever subsided. However, there was still a deficiency of yin fluid, so he switched to "Sweet Dew Drink" to nourish yin and eliminate dampness. After the dampness was eliminated, the hematuria persisted, so he was instructed to take 5 qian of "Golden Coin Fern Glue" for a month until he recovered.
The report states that this case was disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) caused by hepatitis A virus serotoxin leading to endothelial cell damage. The clinical manifestation was massive bleeding from all nine orifices. Because the patient was a descendant of the wealthiest man in Shantou before the liberation, and his family possessed two auspicious creatures, a rhinoceros and a crocodile, and thanks to the doctor's skillful use of these items, his life was saved. The rhinoceros and crocodile, considered supernatural, should not be entirely dismissed for their efficacy.

Real Case 2:
According to historical records, over 70 years ago, a woman on Nan'ao Island in Shantou City suffered postpartum hemorrhage and was on the verge of death; her funeral clothes were already prepared. Someone suggested trying to revive her by boiling water with yellow croaker maw (also known as small-whiskered golden ray). Her family bought an equal amount of yellow croaker maw for two qian (approximately 6.75 grams), boiled it in water, added white sugar, and fed it to her with a spoon. After more than ten minutes, her vacant eyes began to move; an hour later, after drinking a small amount of the maw water, she finally recovered. Furthermore, according to fishermen in Zhanjiang, some of their ancestors who were weak and sickly recovered after eating yellow croaker maw, and others said it was also very effective for gynecological diseases, demonstrating the remarkable efficacy of small-whiskered golden ray maw.
02. Large sums of money

The maw of the large golden croaker was originally mainly sourced from San Francisco, USA, hence it was initially called "Golden Mountain croaker." In reality, the large golden croaker originated in Mexico and was transported back to Hong Kong and mainland China markets through Chinese communities in San Francisco and other areas. Due to limited communication and information access in the past, many people mistakenly believed it originated in San Francisco.
Compared to the small-bearded coins, the large-bearded coins have the following characteristics:

Data indicates that the largest of the large coin weighs 3.5 kilograms.

1. The "whiskers" of the large-whisker coin are nodular, segmented, and commonly known as "pig intestine whiskers"; while the "whiskers" of the small-whisker coin are straight.
2. A complete large-beard coin can have "beards" that are 2 to 3 times the length of the body. Therefore, the "beards" of a large-beard coin are often coiled several times due to their excessive length. In contrast, the "beards" of a small-beard coin of the same size are shorter.

3. The gelatinous head of the large-bearded coin is relatively smooth, without the "Bagua Gate" of the small-bearded coin, nor the "V"-shaped "coin tongue".

4. Like the small-bearded coin, the large-bearded coin has a unique and delicate "coin-like texture"; the pattern on the front mostly resembles "water ripples," while the back resembles "mountain patterns." Older coins often have wrinkles, commonly known as "old man's pattern."

5. Like the small coin, the large coin has one or more "coin holes" on the upper half of its body. These holes are naturally formed and not caused by human intervention.

6. Both male and female bellies of the large-whiskered coin lack nasolabial folds and water outlets. The main difference between male and female bellies is that the male's body is thinner at the tail. The distinguishing feature of the small-whiskered coin's male and female bellies is that the male's belly has nasolabial folds and exhibits varying degrees of flesh thickness, while the female's belly lacks nasolabial folds and has a uniform thickness throughout.

The large-headed croaker - Mac's croaker

The native Hong Kong golden croaker lives in the area around 20 to 30 degrees north latitude in the Eastern Hemisphere, while the Outer Harbour golden croaker lives at almost the same latitude in the Western Hemisphere. The scientific name of the large-whiskered golden croaker is Totoaba, belonging to the family Sciaenidae and the genus Totoaba. It is a species of totoaba endemic to the Gulf of California in Mexico.
The tortoise is also an endangered species, with its population declining by as much as 95% in the past few decades (1942-2007). This is due to several factors: first, the construction of dams has blocked freshwater, leading to increased salinity and water temperature in the bay, which is detrimental to the tortoise's growth; second, its popularity has led to overfishing; and third, the tortoise has a long growth cycle and a low reproductive rate.
Older specimens of the large-whiskered golden ray may lack the "whiskers" (tendrils). This is because the swim bladders of these fish were large and thin in the 1960s. People didn't handle the swim bladders with the same care as they do now, and to avoid trouble, they simply snapped off the "whiskers." Furthermore, there wasn't a custom of keeping the "whiskers" back then. Therefore, a significant portion of older large-whiskered golden ray specimens lack the "whiskers." Of course, if you look closely, you can still see traces of them being snapped off at the head of the specimen.
The medicinal value of *Gynostemma pentaphyllum*:
Cystitis, groin bleeding:
An elderly woman in her 80s was treated for cystitis at the First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University. She experienced severe bleeding, and her urine bag quickly became a "blood bag." The "blood bag" had to be changed repeatedly. Her family requested an injection to stop the bleeding, but the hospital refused, citing the elderly woman's advanced age and physical condition. Immediately, 15 grams of *Gynostemma pentaphyllum* (a type of medicinal herb) was simmered in water for two hours. She took the medicine around 11:30 PM that night, and an hour later, her urine bag became clear (the bleeding had stopped, including uterine bleeding).
The patient suffered from uterine bleeding due to an ectopic pregnancy and sought treatment at Shantou Central Hospital. She had been hospitalized for over 20 days, but the vaginal bleeding persisted and could not be completely stopped. After taking Daxuqianjin three times, the bleeding decreased on the first day and stopped on the second day. She eventually recovered and was discharged.
leukemia:
Over 20 years ago, a young patient was diagnosed with leukemia and hospitalized in Guangzhou. After chemotherapy, his low white blood cell count made him susceptible to infections, requiring him to stay in his ward and not move around freely. He also needed daily injections of expensive imported white blood cell-boosting drugs. While the injections increased his white blood cell count, it would immediately drop again after a short period, and the side effects were very pronounced. He then switched to consuming whole fish maw (likely a type of fish called "Da Xu Jin Qian"). After consuming it, his white blood cell count increased. He immediately stopped the injections and continued consuming Da Xu Jin Qian daily. His white blood cell count gradually rose, his body recovered rapidly, and his immunity improved accordingly, astonishing the doctors. After two months of continuous consumption, he finally recovered completely.
Mild stroke:
A patient in his sixties suddenly experienced stroke symptoms, including loss of consciousness, slurred speech, facial twitching, drooping of the mouth, and numbness in his limbs. His family immediately massaged his limbs and gave him a decoction of 20 grams of *Gynostemma pentaphyllum* (a type of medicinal herb) simmered in water for two hours. Afterward, the patient gradually regained consciousness and was able to speak fluently.
Rheumatic heart disease, angina pectoris:
When a patient experienced angina, consuming whole dried fish maw (such as *Gynostemma pentaphyllum*) relieved the symptoms within approximately 10 minutes to half an hour. The patient had inherited *Gynostemma pentaphyllum* from their ancestors and had been experiencing occasional angina symptoms for the past 10 years, consistently following this method.
There are many other examples of the medicinal effects of *Gynostemma pentaphyllum*, some of which are manifested in stopping bleeding, some in promoting blood production and replenishing blood, and some in repairing tissues and organs. It is not difficult to see that its efficacy is mostly consistent with the records and descriptions in ancient pharmacopoeias, modern medical books, and folk traditional experience. It has the effects of nourishing the liver and kidneys, nourishing and promoting blood circulation, and nourishing tendons and veins. It is a completely non-toxic natural hemostatic drug.
Please note that the above cases are for reference only. If you are sick, you should first go to the hospital for diagnosis. Daxu Jinqian fish maw can only be used as a supplementary treatment.

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