Common name: Tidepool gunnel, Blenny, Clouded blenny, Silvertail

Japanese name: Ginpo (銀宝、銀寶)

Chinese common name: 云鳚

Korean common name: 베도라치

Scientific name: Pholis nebulosa (Temminck & Schlegel, 1845)

Nigiri sushi detail: Tidepool gunnel (Ginpo) Nigiri sushi

Feature:

Tidepool gunnel (Ginpo) is distributed along the coast from southern Hokkaido to Kochi and Nagasaki prefectures. It mainly inhabits rocky reefs and sandy muddy areas from Tide pools and the intertidal zone to depths of around 20 meters. The body length is 30 cm. Its body shape is markedly lateralized, and it moves by undulating its body. Its body color is light brown with irregular brownish mottling. The body surface is covered with fine scales and mucous membranes and is slimy.

It is caught in small quantities, and is often referred to as a “phantom fish” due to its rarity. It tastes similar to Japanese conger (Anago), but has many small bones. However, it has a unique flavor. In Tokyo, it is highly prized as an ingredient for tempura. This means that it is definitely suitable for Nigiri sushi. In any case, you should definitely try Ginpo sushi when you find it.

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