Hai Collection, Middle Volume Radical: Fish (yú) Character: Carp Kangxi stroke count: 18 Page 1471, Entry 02 Pronounced li (rising tone). In the Discussion of Characters (Shuowen Jiezi), it refers to a sturgeon. In the Approach to the Classics (Erya), it identifies the carp. Note: It refers to the red carp today. In the Book of Odes (Shijing), it is written: Does one eat fish, and must it be the carp from the Yellow River? Tao Hongjing in the Materia Medica (Bencao) states: The carp is the most important among fish; its shape is lovely, and it possesses the power of divine transformation, even being able to fly over mountains and lakes, which is why the immortal Qin Gao rode upon one. In the Miscellaneous Morsels from Youyang (Youyang Zazu), it is noted that Taoist texts claim carp often transform into dragons, and therefore one should not eat them. The Correct Meaning Guide (Zhengzitong) states: The Book of Shennong says the carp is the king of fish; regardless of size, there are thirty-six scales along each side of its spine. There are small black spots on the scales, and the fish comes in three colors: red, white, and yellow. Commentary: In the Approach to the Classics (Erya), the two characters for carp and sturgeon are paired; they are not the same entity. Master Mao and the Discussion of Characters (Shuowen Jiezi) mistakenly interpreted the Approach to the Classics as defining the carp as a sturgeon, erroneously combining them into one, which is incorrect. Furthermore, according to the regulations of the Tang dynasty, official tallies were worn in the shape of a fish, also imitating the form of a carp. Additionally, in correspondence, it is referred to as a pair of carp. In the Ancient Music Bureau (Gu Yuefu) poems: A guest came from afar, and presented me with a pair of carp. In a poem by Li Shangyin: The pair of carp are far away, carrying a single letter. Note: Ancient people would fold silk letters into the shape of a carp, which served as a seal. In the Classified Chapters (Leipian), it is also written as a variant form.