noun
big-eyed flathead (Suggrundus meerdervoortii)
A species of flathead fish found in East Asian waters, often used in tempura and sushi.
メゴチは天ぷらにすると美味しい。
Big-eyed flathead is delicious when made into tempura.
市場で新鮮なメゴチを買った。
I bought fresh big-eyed flathead at the market.
コチ is a general term for flathead fish, while メゴチ specifically refers to the big-eyed flathead.
The name likely derives from 女 (me, 'female') and 鯒 (gochi, 'flathead'), but the exact origin is uncertain.