【Reading】くろだい

【English Name】Japanese Black Sea Bream

Kuro-dai (blackhead seabream) is a saltwater fish belonging to the genus Acanthopagrus in the family Sparidae, and in the Kansai area the name "chinu" is established. Widely distributed along the coasts of East Asia, it is a fish known for high environmental adaptability, able to advance from brackish water into freshwater areas in the upper reaches of rivers. Individuals exceeding 70 cm in body length when grown have been confirmed, but the main size in market distribution is around 30 cm.

As a sushi topping it falls into the category of white-fleshed fish, characterized by firm, chewy flesh. In winter its fat content increases, and it displays a flavor not inferior to that of red sea bream (ma-dai). However, depending on the environment in which it grew, a strong aroma of the sea can sometimes come out. Its versatility extends not only to Japanese techniques such as sashimi, arai, grilling, and simmering, but also to Western styles such as meuniere and acqua pazza.

As a biological trait, it is a protandrous hermaphrodite, functioning as male until age 2 or 3, after which many individuals change to female around age 4 or 5. It is also a fish whose name changes with growth (shusse-uo): in the Kanto area "chinchin -> kaizu -> kurodai," and in the Kansai area "babatare -> chinu -> osuke," changing names in stages. The Seto Inland Sea coast, including Hiroshima Bay, is known as a major fishing ground, and is thought to account for about 20% of the national landing volume. It is also a target fish that draws steadfast support from fishing enthusiasts.