noun
Refers specifically to Engraulis japonica, a small fish used in Japanese cuisine. Often contrasted with カタクチイワシ (片口鰯).
See also: 片口鰯 (かたくちいわし)
シコイワシは煮干しやちりめんじゃこの原料になる。
Japanese anchovies are used to make niboshi and chirimen jako.
この辺りではシコイワシがよく獲
Japanese anchovies are often caught around here.
カタクチイワシ (片口鰯) is another common anchovy species; シコイワシ is sometimes distinguished by its slightly different body shape and habitat.
The origin of シコ is uncertain; it may be a regional or old name for this fish. イワシ means sardine/anchovy.