amago; land-locked red-spotted masu trout
A land-locked variety of the red-spotted masu trout (Oncorhynchus masou ishikawae), native to Japan. Often used in angling and regional cuisine.
See also: サツキマス
Amago are a popular target for mountain stream fishing.
Salt-grilled amago is a local specialty on this river.
ヤマメ (yamame) is the land-locked form of the masu salmon (Oncorhynchus masou masou), while アマゴ is the land-locked form of the red-spotted masu trout subspecies (Oncorhynchus masou ishikawae). アマゴ typically has red spots along its lateral line, whereas ヤマメ has black spots.
サクラマス (sakura masu) is the anadromous (sea-run) form of the masu salmon. アマゴ is the land-locked variety of a subspecies.
Katakana spelling is common for this fish name; usually written in kana.
Hiragana spelling, also used.
Ateji kanji spelling; rarely used.
Ateji kanji spelling; rarely used.
Ateji kanji spelling; rarely used.
The name アマゴ (amago) is of Japanese origin, likely from 甘 (ama, 'sweet') + 子 (go, 'child'), referring to its taste. The exact derivation is uncertain.