But in their native Southeast Asia, where they are common in Pakistan, Malaysia and southern China, they are a popular food dish, as Americans who've tried them will attest.

"They are absolutely phenomenal to eat, through the roof," fisherman Jason Calvert told the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.

His 7-year-old daughter Hailie agrees. "I love the white meat," she said.

But aside from their taste, there's not much to recommend the species, Jason Calvert said.