Hong Kong wet markets were bracing themselves for a possible run on small fish sparked by comments by tycoon Li Ka-shing.
Traders at fish markets in Aberdeen, Kwun Tong pier and Sai Kung were predicting queues water-snaking around the block as shoals of eager shoppers snappered up the tasty little things.
The Hong Kong Economic Journal reported that Mr Li had suggested a simple daily diet of two small fish and an accompanying green vegetable were responsible for his Superman-like physique.
A columnist for the newspaper had hooked the septuagenarian during one of his early morning rounds of golf.
The columnist remarked that Mr Li - one of Asia's richest men - looked like a man in his fifties and had a stomach that would put a Chippendale to shame.
According to the columnist, Mr Li - head of conglomerate Hutchison Whampoa - said playing golf was not the main reason for his healthy glow.