Common name: Blackfin grouper, Melon-seed grouper, Oval cod, Oval grouper, Oval rockcod, Sooty cod, Woore’s rockcod

Japanese name: Tobihata (鳶羽太)

Chinese common name: 细鳞三棱鲈、三棱鲈

Korean common name: 날바리

Scientific name: Triso dermopterus (Temminck and Schlegel,1842)

Nigiri sushi detail: Oval grouper (Tobihata) Nigiri sushi

Feature:

Oval grouper (Tobihata) is distributed in southern Japan except Ryukyu Islands, the western Pacific Ocean, and western Australia. It inhabits shallow to deep coastal reefs. Its body shape is similar to that of Largescale blackfish (Mejina). The body color is uniformly blackish purple. Body length is 30~50 cm.

Tobihata are caught in tiny numbers, making them rare and highly prized fish, and they taste just as good as Sevenband grouper (Mahata). The mixed fatty flesh has a strong sweet taste, and ara (the leftover parts of a fish after it has been filleted) makes a very tasty broth. In addition, its high body height and relatively small head allow for a high yield. It is suitable for sashimi, grilled, fried, and deep-fried.