Hehe fish, named1667 historical plate
Actual1000-pixel plate directly inspected and full printed caption compared with primary text. Scaled carp form with six pointed foot-like appendages and a long birdlike tail. Printed caption lists carp form, six feet, bird tail and Deep Marsh. This is Hehe, not Xianfu fish. Smithsonian catalog dates1667/public domain.
Overview
The Hehe fish lives in the Deep Marsh associated with Mount Qizhong in the Shanhaijing. It resembles a carp but has six feet and the tail of a bird. Its cry repeats its name. The itinerary describes a large mountain without plants, with great snakes and abundant jade, followed by a broad body of water that surges throughout. The fish is situated within that particular waterscape.
The six feet and bird tail are additions to its carp form. The marsh’s surging water is part of the surrounding geography; the entry records the fish’s body and voice within it.
Origins & earliest records
China; Shanhaijing Eastern Mountains
Records & interpretation
Specific named received-primary passage directly read; scan status recorded separately.
Selected bibliography
Documented works and useful reading. This is not a list of every appearance.
- 01
Shanhaijing, Eastern Mountains
Third eastern itinerary; Mount Qizhong and Deep Marsh
Family & connections
A source-supported family tree or inspiration record has not yet been compiled for this profile. Related reading below indicates a connection in subject matter, not a proven lineage or creative influence.
Primary records and illustrations
Shan hai jing: er shi san juan (Smithsonian digitized edition)
Physical volume2; creature illustration sequence. IIIF canvas index104 (zero based), labelled 鮯鮯魚; no printed page number asserted
Actual 1000-pixel plate directly inspected and full printed caption compared with primary text. Scaled carp form with six pointed foot-like appendages and a long birdlike tail. Printed caption lists carp form, six feet, bird tail and Deep Marsh. This is Hehe, not Xianfu fish. Smithsonian catalog dates 1667/public domain.
References
Sources supporting this profile. Linked pages have their own scope and editorial standards.
- Primary text transcriptionShanhaijing Eastern Mountains received primary textResearch access: 2026-10-05
Image credits
Historical illustrationHehe fish, named1667 historical plate
Actual1000-pixel plate directly inspected and full printed caption compared with primary text. Scaled carp form with six pointed foot-like appendages and a long birdlike tail. Printed caption lists carp form, six feet, bird tail and Deep Marsh. This is Hehe, not Xianfu fish. Smithsonian catalog dates1667/public domain.
