Pacific cod
Refers specifically to Gadus macrocephalus, a common food fish in Japan.
Pacific cod is often used in hot pot dishes.
まだら (also written 斑) names a fixed spotted or mottled pattern on a surface, while 斑 (むら) refers to unevenness as a process or quality, including abstract inconsistency in performance or mood.
Usually written in katakana as a fish name; usually written in kana.
Kanji form is rare; the katakana spelling is standard.
From 真, an intensifying element meaning “true,” and 鱈, “cod,” with sequential voicing producing だら.