The salpa is found in some medieval encyclopedias. In some places it is considered to be a disgusting fish. Before it can be cooked it must be beaten with a rod.

This fish signifies certain sinners and sordid lives, who can never be boiled by the fire of the Holy Spirit or of charity, so that they may be the chosen food of the divine will, unless they are first punished by some salutary scourge of infirmity or tribulation. [Thomas of Cantimpré]