【Reading】すま

【English Name】Eastern Little Tuna

A red-fleshed saltwater fish of the tribe Thunnini in the family Scombridae, a close relative of the katsuo (skipjack) and maguro (tuna). It lives in the temperate and tropical waters of the Indian and Pacific Oceans, with its main range in Japan being the Pacific coast from Sagami Bay southward. The black spot below the pectoral fin is the identification point; because it looks like a moxibustion scar, it is also called "yaito-gatsuo" in western Japan. Although the flesh is red like that of the katsuo, it carries excellent fat and is even described as "all-over toro." In sushi, sashimi and tataki are the standard preparations; aquaculture techniques were established in Ehime Prefecture, and distribution under the "Hime Suma" brand is expanding. In winter the fat increases, and individuals over 2 kg command high prices.