also: かみなりうお
sailfin sandfish; Japanese sandfish
A fish species (Arctoscopus japonicus) found in the Sea of Japan; commonly eaten in Akita and other northern regions, often as sushi or grilled. The name is usually written in katakana.
In Akita, sailfin sandfish sushi is a local specialty.
Sailfin sandfish is a fish that is in season in winter.
Katakana spelling is the most common written form for this fish name; usually written in kana.
Hiragana spelling is also used, especially in informal contexts.
Ateji kanji form; rarely used in modern writing.
Another rare ateji kanji form.
Rare kanji compound; not commonly encountered.
Alternate reading and kanji form; the reading かみなりうお is restricted to this spelling. Rare in modern usage.
The name ハタハタ is of uncertain origin. One theory suggests it mimics the sound of the fish flopping, but this is not confirmed. The kanji forms 鰰 and 鱩 are ateji created for this fish, while 雷魚 (thunder fish) may refer to the belief that it appears during thunderstorms.