noun
Pacific cod
Refers specifically to Gadus macrocephalus, a common food fish in Japan.
マダラは鍋料理によく使われる。
Pacific cod is often used in hot pot dishes.
たら is the general term for cod, while マダラ specifies the Pacific cod species.
The name マダラ likely derives from 真 (ma, 'true') + 鱈 (tara, 'cod'), distinguishing it from other cod-like fish. The exact historical derivation is uncertain.