black rockfish; darkbanded rockfish
A common rockfish species found in coastal waters of Japan, often used in sushi and simmered dishes.
Black rockfish is delicious when simmered in soy sauce.
釣りに行ってメバルを三匹釣った。
I went fishing and caught three black rockfish.
Katakana spelling is standard for this fish name; usually written in kana.
Hiragana spelling is also common.
Kanji form is rare and may not be widely recognized.
Kanji form is rare and may not be widely recognized.
The name likely derives from 目 (me, 'eye') and 張る (haru, 'to bulge'), referring to the fish's large, protruding eyes. The exact historical derivation is uncertain.