noun
blue mackerel
A species of mackerel (Scomber australasicus) found in the Pacific and Indian Oceans. In Japanese cuisine, it is often distinguished from the common mackerel (マサバ).
ゴマサバはマサバより脂が少ないと言われている。
Blue mackerel is said to have less fat than chub mackerel.
市場で新鮮なゴマサバを買った。
I bought fresh blue mackerel at the market.
マサバ (chub mackerel) is the more common mackerel species in Japan, while ゴマサバ is a related but distinct species with a different flavor and fat content.
The name ゴマサバ (胡麻鯖) literally means 'sesame mackerel', likely referring to the small dark spots on its belly that resemble sesame seeds.