【Reading】はがつお

【English Name】Striped Bonito

The hagatsuo (bonito, written 歯鰹), of the genus Sarda in the family Scombridae, is a large predatory fish. Its name derives from the sharp teeth in its jaws; while resembling the katsuo (skipjack tuna) in appearance, it has an elongated head and 6-7 black vertical stripes along its back. Adults are generally about 50-60 cm in body length, though individuals exceeding 1 m exist. Widely distributed across the tropical to temperate Indo-Pacific, it migrates in schools through coastal surface waters at temperatures of 13.5-23°C. In Japan it is caught mainly along the Pacific side and is a major landing target in Tosashimizu City, Kochi Prefecture. The flesh is red and soft, and since freshness deteriorates quickly, careful handling is required. It suits a variety of cooking methods such as sashimi, grilling, and deep-frying, and in sushi only the freshest specimens are served as nigiri.