Vobla

Vobla is a type of salt-dried fish or commonly known as the Caspian roach.
It is a semi-anadromous fish that lives in the brackish waters of the Caspian Sea and enters rivers for spawning.
It is a popular snack in Russia, especially when paired with beer.

To eat vobla, you have to break off a piece, peel off the skin and chew it slowly.
It has a salty and fishy taste that some people love and some people hate.
It is not cooked, but cured in salt and air-dried for several days.

Here’s a joke for you: What do you call a vobla that swims upstream? A roach coach!

The vobla is a type of roach fish that lives in the Caspian Sea and some of its tributaries.

It has a laterally compressed body, which means it is flattened from side to side.

The vobla iris is silvery grey, and its snout is rounded.

Its pectoral, pelvic and anal fins are grey with dark edges.

The vobla can grow up to 45 cm in length and 2 kg in weight.

Long time ago, far away, in the heart of the countryside, where rolling fields met the sky, Orion, a seasoned livestock auctioneer, spent his days presiding over bustling auctions. With a sharp wit and a penchant for storytelling, Orion was renowned for his ability to turn any sale into a spectacle. His loyal companion, Milo, was an adorable vobla with shimmering scales and a knack for mischief. Together, they made an unbeatable team, their days filled with laughter and the occasional adventure.

One crisp autumn morning, the local farmers' market buzzed with excitement. News had spread about a unique auction event - the sale of a rare and mysterious acorn rumored to possess extraordinary properties. Legends spoke of the acorn bringing good fortune, sparking creativity, or simply being a remarkable curiosity.

Orion's curiosity was piqued. He had seen many things in his career, but an acorn with a story was a rare find. Milo, with his ever-watchful eyes and fins that flitted with anticipation, was equally intrigued. As Orion prepared for the day's auctions, he couldn't help but wonder what made this acorn so special.

The auction hall was packed. Among the bidders were collectors, eccentric enthusiasts, and a few skeptics. Orion took his place at the podium, ready to weave his magic. Milo, perched on Orion's shoulder, surveyed the room with keen interest. The acorn was displayed on a velvet cushion, its surface polished to a glossy sheen.

The auctioneer's gavel struck, and Orion began his pitch. "Ladies and gentlemen, what we have here today is no ordinary acorn. This is the Legendary Acorn of Oldwood, a relic of times long past, said to hold the essence of nature's wisdom and fortune!"

Laughter rippled through the crowd. One bidder, a jovial farmer named Jed, called out, "Orion, you're not telling us this tiny acorn can grant wishes, are you?"

Orion grinned, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "Ah, Jed, it's not about granting wishes. It's about what happens when imagination meets possibility!"

The bidding war began. The acorn was passed around, examined with magnifying glasses, and scrutinized with great seriousness. Milo watched with fascination, his eyes darting between the bidders and the acorn.

Just as the bidding approached its peak, a gust of wind blew through the hall, causing the acorn to roll off the cushion and onto the floor. The room fell silent as the tiny acorn came to rest at Milo's feet. Milo's eyes widened with delight. He carefully nudged the acorn with his snout and then looked up at Orion with an innocent, imploring gaze.

Orion chuckled, sensing an opportunity for some impromptu entertainment. He bent down and picked up the acorn, holding it aloft. "Ladies and gentlemen, it seems our little friend Milo here has taken quite a liking to this acorn. Perhaps it's not just an object of rarity but a symbol of something more personal."

Milo gave a playful chirp, as if agreeing with Orion's impromptu speech. The crowd burst into laughter, charmed by the unexpected turn of events. Orion's storytelling prowess shone through, turning what could have been a mishap into a highlight of the auction.

With the room in high spirits, the bidding resumed, but this time with a twist. The bidders, enchanted by the charm of Milo and the playful banter, began to offer higher and higher amounts, all in good humor.

In the end, the acorn sold for a sum far exceeding its expected value. The winning bidder, a local artist named Lila, was thrilled. She planned to use the acorn as a centerpiece for a new art project, inspired by its story and the delightful chaos of the auction.

As the crowd dispersed, Orion and Milo shared a quiet moment. Orion patted Milo on the head, a smile on his face. "Well, Milo, I'd say that was quite a successful auction. You've turned an ordinary acorn into a piece of local legend."

Milo wagged his tail, his eyes sparkling with satisfaction. He had enjoyed every moment of the day, from the excitement of the auction to the camaraderie with Orion.

The story of the Marvelous Acorn Auction became a cherished tale in the community, a reminder of the magic that could be found in the most unexpected places. And as for Orion and Milo, they continued their adventures, their days filled with laughter and a touch of whimsy, knowing that sometimes the greatest treasures were not the ones sold, but the moments shared along the way.