Hai Collection, Middle Volume Radical: Fish (yú) Character: Xia Kangxi strokes: 20 Page 1475, Entry 10 Pronounced xia. According to the Explaining Graphs and Analyzing Characters (Shuowen Jiezi), it is the same as the fen fish. According to the Erya, Explanations on Fish (Erya Shiyu), the fen fish is the xia. The commentary notes that it originates from the Huixie state. The sub-commentary states that the fen fish is another name for the xia. Also, according to the Erya, Explanations on Fish, a large ni salamander is called a xia. The sub-commentary states that the ni is a female whale; large ones reach eight or nine feet in length and are alternatively known as xia. Refer to the note under the character for ni for further details. Also, according to the Erya, Explanations on Fish, the hao is a large xia. The commentary notes that large xia come from the sea, reach lengths of twenty or thirty feet, and have feelers several feet long; today in Qingzhou, they are called hao fish. According to the Yu Li Ding Lu (Record of Tripods by Yu Li), Emperor Wen of the Liu Song dynasty obtained a xia fish, which was subsequently used for a tripod. Also, according to the Classic of Mountains and Seas (Shanhaijing), the dragon fish lives on ridges; it is shaped like a raccoon, and another name for it is xia. It possesses divine sanctity; those who ride it may travel across the nine wilds. According to the Long Notes on the Explaining Graphs and Analyzing Characters (Shuowen Changjian), it is identical to the character for shrimp (xia). According to the commentary on the Quick Reference Chapter (Jijupian), the xia is the modern sea shrimp, which can be used to make pickles or the product known as shrimp rice. Small shrimp found in waters everywhere, which can be eaten raw or stir-fried, all fall under this category. According to the Correct Meaning Dictionary (Zhengzitong), it is a water creature that is edible and found in streams, marshes, rivers, and seas. It has splayed feelers and an axe-shaped nose, its back has broken segments, its tail has hard scales, it has many legs and jumps frequently; its intestines are attached to its brain, and its eggs are carried outside the abdomen. According to the Nanhai Magazine, merchant ships have observed what appeared to be twin masts swaying in the waves, over ten feet high, and assumed them to be boats. Experienced sailors said: This is a sea shrimp basking its twin feelers in the clear weather. Also pronounced ya. Also pronounced jia. The meanings are the same.