Why is the golden pomfret called the golden fish?

   As a benchmark species in my country's marine aquaculture, the golden pomfret has maintained its leading position among domestic marine fish farming categories for two consecutive years, thanks to its stable yield, excellent quality, and broad market. According to data from the *China Fisheries Yearbook*, the national annual output of golden pomfret reached 292,300 tons in 2023 and 305,500 tons in 2024, demonstrating the industry's continued steady growth. Currently, the main production areas for golden pomfret are concentrated in coastal provinces such as Guangdong, Guangxi, and Hainan. The outstanding advantages of the golden pomfret industry are its favorable growing environment, high nutritional value, excellent taste, strong export earnings, and good economic benefits.

   "This truly 'golden fish' can cultivate the domestic market and be exported overseas. Behind its impressive yield lies a solid foundation in aquaculture and superior quality." my country boasts superior marine ecological conditions, and the region vigorously promotes ecological and standardized deep-sea cage aquaculture, ensuring clean and safe aquaculture waters. The sea area within the jurisdiction maintains a year-round water temperature of 22℃ to 28℃, the ideal temperature range for fish growth. This unique growing environment results in the golden pomfret's firm, tender, and smooth flesh, devoid of any muddy taste, giving it a significant advantage over ordinary farmed fish and making it a highly sought-after premium deep-sea ingredient.

   Beyond its superior taste, the golden pomfret is also a popular and versatile "everyday fish" that balances nutrition and versatility. Zhou Jianxi explains that the golden pomfret has a balanced nutritional profile, rich in DHA, EPA, and other essential unsaturated fatty acids, making it a popular health food. Furthermore, the golden pomfret has few bones, making it safe to eat, suitable for both the elderly and children. It is versatile and can be prepared using various cooking methods such as steaming, braising, stewing, and sweet and sour, offering a rich and diverse flavor profile. Combined with its easy storage, availability, and cost-effectiveness, the golden pomfret truly delivers on its promise of deliciousness, nutrition, and convenience.

   In recent years, while establishing a firm foothold in the domestic market, domestically produced golden pomfret has explored overseas markets, becoming a "foreign exchange earning card" for my country's aquatic product exports. Thanks to its superior quality, domestically produced golden pomfret has continued to open up international markets, with export sales steadily increasing and selling well in many countries and regions in Europe, America, and Southeast Asia. Statistics show that in 2025, China's exports of frozen, fresh, and chilled golden pomfret reached approximately 11,790 tons, with an export value of 425.9 million yuan, setting a new historical record.