Sarawakian Local Delights : Terubok

Terubok, a unique fish species which changes gender from male to female when it reaches maturity or 27cm or 600g, is a delicacy in Sarawak and fetches high prices, especially for its prized roe. This means that it is a protandous hermaphrodite.

aTerubok afficionados are worried about its decreasing population in the seas around
Sarawak. There has been reports of overfishing in Malaysian waters because the roe
is highly priced. Besides the salted terubuk is a delicacy for the local people.

The fish is a toli shad or Chinese herring (Tenualosa toli). It is found in the Indian Ocean, 
the Bay of Bengal, the Java Sea and the South China Sea. It is also found in the Cambodian Mekong. It prefers clear coastal waters.

The bigger ones, weighing more than 1.5 kgs. are often served in good Chinese restaurants, steamed or barbequed. Over the years, the terubok has maintained its high status as a party food, for wrapped in banana leaves and cooked over an open fire, the aroma of the cooked fish fills the air, creating a festive mood!