[Sailfin Sandfish, Arctoscopus japonicus]
This fish is found in sandy-muddy bottom areas of the Asian side of the North Pacific. In Japan these fish are cultured in captivity, then released for the fishery. They grow to as long as 11 inches and 7 ounces. The photo specimen was by far the largest from a tray of frozen fish purchased from a Korean grocery and was 10 inches long and just over 4 oz.
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The distinctly flavored sandfish flesh remains firm even when steamed but flakes easy into largish flakes. Once the head and gill covers are removed it is mercifully free of the problem bones that plague many small fish.
Buying: This fish can occasionally be found in the large Asian markets here in Los Angeles, particularly Hawaii Supermarket which has a lot more unusual items than the other Asian markets along Valley Boulevard in Alhambra - Sam Gabriel. sf_sandsfz 06 r 190827 - www.clovegarden.com