malabar grouper; estuary cod
A species of grouper (Epinephelus malabaricus) found in Indo-Pacific waters. Known by several English common names including greasy cod and spotted river cod.
The malabar grouper is known as a high-grade fish.
In Okinawa, malabar grouper sashimi is popular.
Ateji kanji spelling; extremely rare and not recommended for learners.
The name ヤイトハタ likely derives from 灸 (yaito, moxibustion) and 羽太 (hata, grouper), referring to the dark spots on its body resembling moxibustion marks. The exact origin is uncertain.