The word "pomfret" refers to a kind of freshwater fish, pronounced as "xiān", which is a three-syllable word.

Pomfret belongs to CYPRINIDAE, commonly known as pomfret. They generally live in freshwater lakes, rivers and streams and belong to common edible fish. Pomfret is long and flat, with flat sides, slightly raised back and sunken lower abdomen on both sides. The length of adult pomfret is generally around 10- 15 cm, and the largest individual can reach more than 30 cm. Pomfret has a blue-silver body, a slightly flat head, a slightly inclined mouth, and a pair of short whiskers and teeth in the mouth.

Pomfret is a freshwater benthic fish, which mainly feeds on small benthos, algae and aquatic insects. Pomfret is widely eaten because of its delicious meat and rich nutrition. In southern China, especially in Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Fujian and other places, pomfret is regarded as an important aquatic resource and is widely planted and fished.

Besides being edible, pomfret also has certain medicinal value. According to the theory of traditional Chinese medicine, pomfret has the effects of nourishing yin, moistening lung, clearing away heat and toxic materials, and can be used to treat lung heat, cough, thirst and other diseases. In addition, the liver of pomfret can also be used to extract pomfret oil. Pomfret oil is rich in unsaturated fatty acids and vitamin E, which is helpful to reduce blood lipid and promote blood circulation, and is of great benefit to health.

Generally speaking, pomfret is a very common freshwater fish, which is not only delicious in meat, but also rich in nutrition and has certain medicinal value. It is widely planted and fished, and has become one of the important species of freshwater fishery.