ice goby
A small, translucent goby (Leucopsarion petersii) found in Japan; often eaten as sashimi or in clear soups. The name is usually written in kana.
In spring, the ice goby fishing season opens.
シロウオの踊り食いは、この地域の名物だ。
Eating live ice gobies is a local specialty.
Katakana spelling is common for this fish name; usually written in kana.
Rare kanji spelling; may be encountered in some contexts but kana is preferred.
Alternate kanji spelling; can be confused with 白魚 (しらうお), a different fish.
The name likely derives from 白 (しろ, 'white') and 魚 (うお, 'fish'), referring to its pale, translucent body. The exact historical derivation is uncertain.