Patin Catfish

Author – Mollee D. Harper

www.Suite101.com
http://www.suite101.com/content/life-lessons-from-snow-white-a301587

Brief Synopsis:

The Philippines and Malaysia are home to the Patins, some of the most
succulent catfish, used by top chefs and enjoyed by diners, throughout the world.

Asian Catfish
Three Fish - Graur razvan ionut
http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/Fish_And_Seafood_g64-
Fish_p12577.html

Article:

The Philippines is an independent country in Southeast Asia consisting of 7,107

islands located in the western Pacific Ocean. The islands, in this republic, are
categorized into three groups, known as the Luzon, the Visayas and the
Mindanao. The Philippines are heavily influenced by their neighbors, in the
country of Malaysia, located directly south of them, connected by the Sulu Sea.

Malaysia is comprised of thirteen states and three federal territories. Temerloh is

a town located in Pahang, Malaysia, officially named "Bandar Ikan Patin", which
means "Patin Fish Town”. Temerloh is home to the Patin fish, a type of
freshwater silver catfish, considered a delicacy for their succulent, smooth sweet
flavor, sold to restaurants and bistro diners, all over the world.

These two countries are heavily populated, with over 92 million residents living in
the Philippines, and 28 million residents living in Malaysia. Both countries are
tropical, consisting of rainforests and mountainous landscapes, surrounded by
water on all sides, with many lakes, pools, rivers and freshwater streams
throughout. The harvest of the Patin catfish remains an important part of the
Asian culture for healthy nutrition and economic stability.

Patin fish thrive in deep dark pools of water found in large rivers, throughout the
islands of the Philippines and Malaysia. Their diet consists of vegetable matter,
worms, carrion, small fish, grubs and freshwater prawns. While Patin fish can still
be caught from their natural habitats in rivers, local farmers also raise and
cultivate these silver catfish in aquaculture nurseries, to increase the quantity and
quality of protein produced.

Patin catfish have a whitish or silver skin, covered with little horns, consisting of
thick meaty fillets, most known for their sweetness in taste. Patins may vary in
species, including the famous King Patin and the Stone Patin, distinguished by
darker skin color. These catfish are a favorite among bistro chefs. In keeping with
true Asian tradition, chefs waste very little of this fish, often serving their fried
scales along with their flavorful fillets.

For authentic Malaysian recipes using Patin catfish at home, visit:

Pahang Delights http://www.pahang-delights.com/ikan-patin-masak-
tempoyak.html.

Keywords
• Patin Silver Fish
• Patin Catfish Philippines
• Patin Catfish Malaysia
• Patin Catfish Recipes

References:
• Patin and Baong – The ‘Kings’ of the Mahakam River: Kalimantan
[http://www.indonesialogue.com/planning-a-trip/patin-and-baong-the-
kings-of-the-mahakam-river-kalimantan.html]
• Fisheries and Aquaculture Department - Country Sector
[http://www.fao.org/fishery/countrysector/naso_philippines/en]
• Aquaculture in Philippines [www.worldwildlife.org]

http://www.pahang-delights.com/delightful-Temerloh.html - Pahang Delights

http://www.learnnc.org/lp/media/uploads/2008/08/philippines_rel93.jpg - Philippines
Map
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philippines
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Temerloh
http://www.indonesialogue.com/planning-a-trip/patin-and-baong-the-kings-of-the-
mahakam-river-kalimantan.html - Patin and Baong – The ‘Kings’ of the Mahakam
River: Kalimantan
http://www.fao.org/fishery/countrysector/naso_philippines/en - Fisheries and
Aquaculture Department
http://www.fao.org/fishery/countrysector/FI-CP_PH/en - Fisheries and Aquaculture
Department
http://www.bfar.da.gov.ph/ - Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources