noun
black rockfish; darkbanded rockfish
A common rockfish species found in coastal waters of Japan, often used in sushi and simmered dishes.
メバルは煮付けにすると美味しい。
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.
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.