Villagers of Xilian Town of Zhanjiang City, including two children aged six and 10, became ill after eating the fish from March 7 to 9.

A 56-year-old man died and 15 other were hospitalized but are not in danger. Three have been released, according to the local hospital.

Zhanjiang Ocean and Fishery Bureau and experts from Zhanjiang Ocean University have determined that fish was a type of poisonous Goby.

This is the first case of poisoning caused by Goby in Guangdong, according to the provincial Health Department.

Local health authorities have strengthened their supervision of fish sales and urged residents to stop fishing, trading and eating Goby fish.