Fish species in Japan

Largescale lizardfish

マエソ · maeso
Saurida macrolepis

Largescale lizardfish have a broad toothed mouth and ambush prey near bottom. Numerous bones affect how the flesh is used.

Habitat and season

Sandy coastal bottom.

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

Metal jigs search different depths for passing predatory fish. Open casting space and a planned landing point are essential.

Lures cover sandy beaches and channels for flounder and other predators. Read current seams before chasing distance.

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

Detailed Japanese species notes

大きな口に細かな鋭い歯が並ぶ。指を口へ入れない。細長い円筒形の体で、背びれの後方に小さな脂びれがある。ワニエソなど近縁種との区別は胸びれの長さや体側の鱗などを合わせて確認。写真一枚で断定しない。

鋭い歯に注意。口へ指を入れずプライヤーを使う。すり身でも骨は消えないため、採肉後に裏ごしして残骨を確かめる。