Japanese bigeye (Kurumadai) is distributed in southern Japan and the Indo-West Pacific region. It inhabits the seabed at depths of 80 to 200 meters, from coastal areas to offshore waters. Its body length is 20 cm. The body is bream-shaped with large eyes. The body color is bright red, and young fish have four white horizontal bands. These are absent in mature fish.

It is caught in bottom trawls, but catches are small. Unlike its close relative, the Longfinned bullseye (Chikamekintokidai), it is not caught in large, concentrated catches.

Its flesh is thick relative to its body length, yielding a high net weight. The white flesh has a translucent quality, and the bloodline has a faint reddish hue. It does not become tough or firm when cooked, making it suitable for simmered or grilled fish dishes. It is treated as a minor fish in the market and is not served at Tokyo sushi restaurants.

Common name: Japanese bigeye, Witeband bigeye, Bigeye porgy

Japanese name: Kurumadai (車鯛)

Chinese common name: 日本大鳞大眼鲷

French common name: Beau-clair du large

Russian common name: Пристигенис

Scientific name: Pristigenys niphonia (Cuvier,1829)

Nigiri sushi detail: Japanese bigeye (Kurumadai) Nigiri sushi