Common name: Banded-check reef-cod, Blue grouper, Comet cod, Comet grouper, Contour rockcod, Coral cod, Curve-banded grouper, Dot-dash grouper, Rockcod, Snakesking sea bass, Broom grouper

Japanese name: Houkihata (箒羽太)

Chinese common name: 弓斑石斑魚

Scientific name: Epinephelus morrhua (Valenciennes,1833)

Nigiri sushi detail: Comet grouper (Houkihata) Nigiri sushi

Feature:

Comet grouper (Houkihata) is distributed in southern Japan and the Indo-West Pacific region. It inhabits coastal to offshore reef areas. Its body length is about 50 cm. Its body color is light brown with a dark brown line running diagonally across its dorsal surface.

Houkihata is a highly regarded member of the grouper family, so it is naturally delicious. The chewy white flesh can be used in many ways. After Ikejime, the flesh is firm and chewy and should be aged slightly. The clear flesh suits sashimi, nigiri sushi, and simmered dishes.