Vietnam boasts a diverse “collection” of fish, ranging from familiar freshwater species to precious “gifts” from the sea. Let’s explore the characteristics, nutritional value, main farming/fishing regions, and export potential of these “stars.”

I. Freshwater fish: Taste of home, reaching out to the world

1. Snakehead Fish (Mudfish/Chevron Snakehead) – Channa striata

   • Characteristics: Elongated cylindrical body, black-yellow or gray-black scales. Accessory breathing organs allow it to survive in oxygen-poor environments. White, firm, few small bones.
   • Nutritional Value: Rich in protein, B vitamins, iron, and calcium.
   • Main Farming Regions: Mekong Delta provinces, Central and Northern Vietnam.
   • Export Market: Primarily domestic consumption. A small quantity is exported to Asian countries.

2. Catfish – Clarias sp. (mainly Clarias batrachus and Clarias macrocephalus)

   • Characteristics: Long body, smooth skin, barbels. Fatty, tender flesh.
   • Nutritional Value: Contains protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals.
   • Main Farming Regions: Mekong Delta and Southern provinces.
   • Export Market: Primarily domestic consumption.

3. Climbing Perch – Anabas testudineus

   • Characteristics: Compressed body, hard scales. Ability to move on land for short periods. White, fragrant flesh.
   • Nutritional Value: Rich in protein, calcium, and other minerals.
   • Main Farming Regions: Low-lying fields, ponds, and lakes nationwide, especially the Mekong Delta.
   • Export Market: Primarily domestic consumption.

4. Red Tilapia – Oreochromis niloticus x O. mossambicus

   • Characteristics: Hybrid, compressed body, light pink color. White, sweet, few small bones.
   • Nutritional Value: Good source of protein, low in fat.
   • Main Farming Regions: Mekong Delta provinces, Central and Northern Vietnam.
   • Export Market: Domestic consumption and exports to some Asian countries.

5. Tra Catfish – Pangasius hypophthalmus

   • Characteristics: Smooth skin, compressed body, gray color. Fast-growing, easy to farm.
   • Nutritional Value: Abundant source of protein, contains omega-3 and other unsaturated fatty acids.
   • Main Farming Regions: Mekong Delta (provinces like An Giang, Dong Thap, Can Tho…).
   • Export Market: Large export market, to countries such as the USA, EU, China, and others.

6. Basa Catfish – Pangasius bocourti

   • Characteristics: Smooth skin, spindle-shaped body, silvery-white color. White, fatty flesh.
   • Nutritional Value: Similar to Tra catfish, rich in protein and omega-3.
   • Main Farming Regions: Mekong Delta (Vinh Long, Can Tho…).
   • Export Market: Similar to Tra catfish, a significant export item.

II. Sea fish: “Treasures” from the vast ocean

1. Mackerel – Scomberomorus sp. (various species like S. commerson, S. guttatus…)

   • Characteristics: Long, slender body, smooth skin, small scales. Firm, fragrant flesh with marbling.
   • Nutritional Value: Rich in protein, omega-3, vitamin D, and B12.
   • Main Fishing Regions: Central and Southern coastal areas.
   • Export Market: Exported fresh, frozen, dried, and processed to many countries.

2. Tuna – Thunnus sp. (various species like T. albacares, T. obesus…)

   • Characteristics: Spindle-shaped body, fast swimmer. Fresh, firm red flesh.
   • Nutritional Value: Excellent source of protein, rich in omega-3, vitamins, and minerals.
   • Main Fishing Regions: Offshore waters of the Central and Southeastern regions.
   • Export Market: High-value export item, to markets like the USA, Japan, and the EU.

3. Herring – Clupea sp. (various species)

   • Characteristics: Small, compressed body, silver scales. Fatty, tender flesh.
   • Nutritional Value: Rich in protein, omega-3, vitamin D, and B12.
   • Main Fishing Regions: Coastal waters nationwide.
   • Export Market: Primarily domestic consumption and a small amount of exports.

4. Grouper (Seabass) – Various species of the family Serranidae (e.g., Epinephelus coioides, Epinephelus malabaricus)

   • Characteristics: Oval-shaped body, large mouth. White, firm, sweet flesh.
   • Nutritional Value: Rich in protein, low in fat.
   • Main Farming and Fishing Regions: Coastal areas of the Central and Southern regions (Khanh Hoa, Phu Quoc…).
   • Export Market: High economic value, exported to Hong Kong, Singapore, China.

5. Pomfret – Various species of the family Bramidae (e.g., Pampus argenteus, Parastromateus niger)

   • Characteristics: Compressed body, round or oval shape. White, fatty, fragrant flesh.
   • Nutritional Value: Good source of protein, contains unsaturated fats.
   • Main Fishing Regions: Coastal waters nationwide.
   • Export Market: Domestic consumption and exports to some Asian countries.

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