Refers to small fish, often young or tiny species, used as food or bait. The term is neutral and common in everyday contexts.
I bought fresh small fish at the market.
Small fish are delicious when deep-fried.
Standard kanji spelling; the most common written form.
Rare kanji form; it is rarely used.
Compound of 小 (small) and 魚 (fish). The reading こざかな is a straightforward kun'yomi combination.