Common name: Blacktip grouper, Redbarred rock cod, Scarlet sea bass, Rock cod, Red-banded grouper, Striped grouper, Black tipped cod, Banded reef cod, Black-tipped rock cod, Black-tipped grouper, Footballer cod, Golden grouper, Banded reef-cod, Black-tipped groper, Black-tipped grouper, Black-tipped rock cod, Reed cod

Japanese name: Akahata (赤羽太)

Taiwan common name: 橫帶石斑魚、石斑、過魚、紅斑、紅鷺鷥、關公鱠、鱠仔 (臺東)、赤石斑魚

Chinese common name: 横条石斑鱼

Scientific name: Epinephelus fasciatus (Forsskål,1775)

Nigiri sushi detail: Blacktip grouper (Akahata) Nigiri sushi

Characteristics:

Blacktip grouper (Akahata) is distributed south of southern Japan and in the Indo-West Pacific region. It is a solitary inhabitant of coastal reefs and coral reefs. The body length is 25~35 cm. Its body color is light red with 5~6 dark horizontal stripes on its body. Groupers are a large group of about 190 species in 26 genera, including the Sevenband grouper (Mahata), Redspotted grouper (Kijihata), and Yellow grouper (Aohata).

All grouper species are expensive, but this species is relatively reasonable. This species is also available at the Toyosu market as live fish. It is just the right size for Nigiri sushi, and can be found at sushi restaurants. Even in the summer, when white meat is scarce, it arrives stably, making it a persistent favorite. It has a good balance of sweetness and umami, and has a strong texture. Akahata is also an indispensable ingredient in Chinese cuisine.

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