Fake Shark Fins Made From Pork. (Discovery Channel)

A Japanese company is launching fake shark fins in China, hoping to tap a market as prices for real ones rise amid concerns the species is being hunted to extinction.

Shark fin is considered one of the highest-end delicacies in Chinese cuisine and also fetches high prices in select Japanese restaurants.

Nikko Yuba Seizo Co. a Japanese food-processing company, said it had developed artificial shark fins made out of pork gelatin. Its top executives returned Friday from a two-day trip to China to introduce the products.

We can thank Yao Ming. Though I’ve had fake shark fin, and it wasn’t the same, you know? Just like how quail stomachs are no substitute for bald eagle gizzards.