Shishamo (柳葉魚, literally "Willow Leaf Fish"), or Spirinchus lanceolatus, is an anadromous fish (smelt) native to Hokkaido, Japan.[1]
Description
This fish averages 15 centimeters in length, with a maximum recorded length of 70 cm.[1] It is generally dark on the back with a silver-white underside.
The fish is said to resemble a willow leaf, and its Japanese name reflects this; shishamo, is derived from the Ainu name for the same fish, susam, which is supposed to be derived from a compound of Ainu susu "willow" + ham "leaf", hence its name in Chinese characters (柳葉魚 jukujikun, where the characters have no phonetic relation to the word).[2][3][4]
In Japanese cuisine, this fish is grilled or fried whole and served with its roe intact.
The total 2021 catch in Kushiro, where 85% of Japanese shishamo are caught, was 124 tons - a reduction of 50% compared to the year before. [5] Due to declining catches in recent years, attempts have been made to commercially farm the fish in Japan.[6] In recent years capelin (Mallotus villosus) has appeared on the market with the name "Karafuto shishamo."
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