【Reading】あかはた

【English Name】Red Grouper

The akahata (blacktip grouper) is a saltwater fish classified in the genus Epinephelus of the family Serranidae in the order Perciformes, scientifically named Epinephelus fasciatus. It is widely distributed across the temperate to tropical zones from the western Pacific to the Indian Ocean, and in Japan it is caught in the Izu Islands, Ogasawara, Mie, Nagasaki, Kagoshima, Okinawa, and elsewhere.

At about 30-40 cm in body length, it is among the smaller groupers. The whole body is reddish, with about five dark, broad transverse stripes along the flanks. The black upper edge of the front part of the dorsal fin is also an identification point. Ecologically it is known as a protogynous hermaphrodite that changes sex: all individuals are born female and turn male as they grow.

As a white-fleshed fish it is characterized by translucent flesh, light yet flavorful. The skin contains gelatin and takes on a distinctive texture when heated. As a sushi topping it is served as nigiri or sashimi, and is also used in Chinese steamed-fish (qingzheng) dishes, simmered dishes, and hot pots.

The spawning season is mainly the summer months of June to September, and although the flavor is said to vary relatively little throughout the year, late summer to early autumn just after spawning is considered best avoided.