Loh (right) and fellow fishmonger Wong Ting Seng promote freshly-caught ‘tengadak’.
KAPIT: The current dry spell has led to a plentiful supply of freshwater fish at the Terasang Market.
From June to August, the water level for the Rajang, Baleh and Katibas rivers are known to be significantly lower, making conditions ideal for fishermen.
“The sequence of fish being caught by the fishermen using floating nets across the river at various strategic points where fish navigate from shallow to deeper waters or pools are firstly ikan patin and ikan tapah, followed by ikan semah, ikan mengalan, ikan padi, then ikan tengadak, which comes last,” said fishmonger Loh Ah Hwa.
Price-wise, tengadak is the most expensive of the group at RM450 to RM500 per kg, while semah is priced at RM180 per kg.
However, the most expensive freshwater fish from the division would be empurau at RM950 per kg.
Although many freshwater fish are now bred in ponds, the price for river-caught fish remains at a premium because they feed on rich wild fruit such as engkala (Litsea garciae) and engkabang (Shorea macrophylla).
It is understood that tengadak that is properly packaged and frozen can retain its freshness and taste for up to three years.
The edible scales are said to be very rich in calcium.