noun
grouper; sea bass
Refers to various fish of the family Serranidae, commonly called groupers or sea basses. In Japanese cuisine, はた often specifically means the longtooth grouper (Epinephelus bruneus) or similar species.
この辺りの海では、はたがよく釣れる。
Groupers are often caught in the sea around here.
はたの刺身は淡白で美味しい。
Grouper sashimi is light and delicious.
The kanji 羽 (feather) and 太 (thick) are ateji; the reading はた is of uncertain origin, possibly related to the fish's appearance or an old Japanese name.