The peje rey means the king fish, for in fact, though only middle-sized,
its flesh is pre-eminently good. It has a very large head and mouth, and
is destitute of fat. It is only caught in that part of the Parana which
washes the territories of Sta. Fè, or in the kindred streams, to which
this fish repairs to spawn. When fresh, it is reckoned amongst the
delicacies of the tables of the wealthy. After being dried by the air
only, without a grain of salt, it is sent in quantities from the
above-mentioned city to others, and kept a long while, but soon
putrifies if it contracts any moisture on the way.