also: かみなりうお
noun
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.
秋田ではハタハタの寿司が名物だ。
In Akita, sailfin sandfish sushi is a local specialty.
ハタハタは冬が旬の魚です。
Sailfin sandfish is a fish that is in season in winter.
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.