red-spotted grouper; Hong Kong grouper
A species of grouper (Epinephelus akaara) found in East Asian waters. Commonly referred to by its katakana name.
The red-spotted grouper is known as a high-grade fish.
I bought a fresh Hong Kong grouper at the market.
Hiragana spelling, also used.
Kanji spelling is rare and may not be widely recognized; the fish is normally written in kana.
The name likely derives from the bird キジ (pheasant) and ハタ (grouper), referring to its spotted pattern resembling a pheasant's plumage, but the exact origin is uncertain.