Knowledge·7 min min read
What Is Fish Maw? The Complete B2B Buyer's Guide to Swim Bladders
A comprehensive technical and commercial guide covering swim bladder anatomy, market history, cultural significance, and international trade value.
01
Anatomical origin and function
Fish maw is the processed and dried swim bladder (gas bladder) of teleost fish, an internal gas-filled organ that controls buoyancy. Its thick collagenous walls give dried maw its culinary texture.
02
The Four Delicacies of the Sea
In Chinese culinary tradition, fish maw (肚, dù) is ranked among the Four Treasures of the Sea alongside abalone, sea cucumber and shark fin, prized for nourishing soups and banquet dishes.
03
Modern wholesale trade
Today fish maw is a globally traded B2B marine commodity. Processors sort maw by species, weight, thickness and clarity, with major distribution hubs in Hong Kong, Guangzhou and Singapore.