Moonfish (Lampris regius)
Moonfish
Selection
Catch fish in the deep open ocean using longline fishing gear. Best to catch between April and August.
Storage
Keep fish chilled in ice. Can be frozen for longer storage.
Preparation
- Wash fish well before use.
- Remove the guts with a knife.
- Can be eaten raw.
- Can be broiled, baked, sautéed, steamed, or smoked.
- (Hawaii Seafood Council, 2012)
Photo Source
NOAA
Moonfish
Moonfish, or opah, has a large, round profile with colorful skin. The upper body looks silver to grey with shades of red. It also has white spots closer to the belly, red fins, and gold-circled eyes. The flesh is firm, rich in flavor, and varies in colors like orange, pink, and red, but all turn white or brown when cooked (Hawaii Seafood Council, 2012).
Traditional Names
- Hawaiian – mukau