Fish species in Japan

Japanese red rockfish

アコウダイ · akoudai
Sebastes matsubarae

This red deep-water rockfish is different from kijihata, which is also called akou in western Japan. Electric reels and multi-hook bottom rigs are typical. Pressure changes during retrieval can cause swelling; they are not normal identification features.

Habitat and season

Deep rocky ground, roughly 200–700 metres, including Pacific bays and parts of the Sea of Japan.

Recorded fishing season: Jan · Feb · Mar · Apr · Nov · Dec
Scientific name: Sebastes matsubarae
Japanese name: アコウダイ

Months are a broad guide, not a current catch forecast. Region, water temperature and local closures can change the season.

Fishing methods

Deep-water dropper fishing

A heavy sinker and branched hooks reach deep-water bottom fish. Deployment order is critical.

Find places to fish

Find spots for japanese red rockfish on the map →

Cooking

Detailed recipes for this species are currently in Japanese. Open the Japanese cooking guide →

Compare related fish

Detailed Japanese species notes

朱色の体と大きな目を持つ深場のメバルの仲間。関西でキジハタを指すアコウとは別種で、ベニアコウとも区別する。多針仕掛けを扱う深海釣りでは、魚を誘う前に投入の段取りを整える必要がある。

重いオモリ・多針仕掛け・鋭い棘に注意。浮上した魚の眼や腹を刺すなどの自己流の処置はしない。

Full Japanese page, including available 3D model →