mid-sized konoshiro gizzard shad; young gizzard shad
Refers to a young or mid-sized konoshiro (gizzard shad), about 15 cm, often used as sushi topping. The adult fish is called コノシロ.
See also: コノシロ
Today's sushi topping, the gizzard shad, was fresh and delicious.
Gizzard shad is marinated in vinegar before being made into sushi.
Katakana spelling is common for this fish name, especially in sushi contexts; usually written in kana.
Hiragana spelling, also common.
Kanji spelling using 小 (small) and 鰭 (fin); rarely used in practice.
Irregular kanji usage; 肌 means 'skin', not directly related to the fish.
The origin is uncertain. The name may derive from the small size (小) and the fin (鰭) or skin (肌) appearance, but the exact derivation is unclear.