Common name: Monocle-bream

Japanese name: Tamagashira (玉頭)

Taiwan common name: 橫帶副赤尾冬、紅尾冬仔、橫帶海鮘、紅魚

Scientific name: Parascolopsis inermis (Temminck & Schlegel, 1843)

Nigiri sushi detail: Monocle-bream (Tamagashira) Nigiri sushi

Characteristics:

Monocle-bream (Tamagashira) is distributed in warm waters south of Choshi, Chiba Prefecture, Taiwan, the Philippines, Indonesia, and the eastern Indian Ocean. It inhabits rocky reef areas at depths of 20~100m along the coast. The body length is 20~30 cm. The body is oval, laterally flattened, and has large eyes. Its body color is light red with four broad dark vermilion transverse bands. Each fin is pale yellow.

Tamagashira is one of the so-called unused fish. It is scarce in volume and sells for a relatively low price. Similar to golden threadfin bream (Itoyoridai), it has a light flavor and tender flesh. The skin is firm and has a strong umami, so when eating fresh Tamagashira as sashimi, it is best to use it as Yakishimo-zukuri without removing the skin. The season is winter, and it is served in tempura, grilled dishes, soups, and nabe dishes.

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