Scomberoides commersonnianus, the Queenfish or Talang, is called Tua Pek Kong hu in Hokkien and is not eaten by the Chinese as they believe that the five spots on its sides are the fingerprints of the deity Tua Pek Kong, the God of Prosperity.
There is another legend. A ship carrying many Chinese passengers was about to sink. But Tua Pek Kong heard their prayers. so he sent a big fish to stop water from rushing into the ship. The fish stopped the seepage and as a result there are five black spots on his body. Today the five black spots are left on the body of all the descendants of the fish. Therefore to thank Tua Pek Kong and this fish, many Chinese do not eat this fish.
Scientific Name: Scomberoides commersonnianus Lacepède, 1801
English Name: Talang Queenfish, Leatherskin
Mandarin Name: 舢舨跳 (Shānbǎn tiào), 三保公 (Sānbǎo gōng)
Local Malay Name: Ikan Talang Bongkok, Talang Lima Jari
Local Hokkien: Sam Pan Thiao, Sam Poh Gong, Tua Peh Gong
Main Diagnostic Features: 5 to 8 round blotches on sides and upper jaw reaching well beyond eye.
Size: Maximum total length 120 cm, commonly 75 cm.
West Malaysian Malays, the ARabs and the Indians love this fish. It can be cooked in so many different ways.
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