noun
A literary or formal term for the ayu (Plecoglossus altivelis), a small migratory fish prized in Japanese cuisine. In everyday speech, アユ is far more common.
See also: アユ
香魚は清流に棲む魚として知られている。
The sweetfish is known as a fish that lives in clear streams.
料亭の献立に「香魚の塩焼き」と書いてあった。
The menu at the traditional restaurant said 'salt-grilled sweetfish'.
アユ is the common everyday name for the same fish; 香魚 is a formal or literary synonym.
From the kanji 香 (fragrant) and 魚 (fish), referring to the sweetfish's characteristic pleasant smell, especially when grilled.