moonfish (LamprisOpah regius)

Opah is also known as the Seasonality & How Fishing Methods: moonfish. It is one of the most col- They Are Caught All of the opah landed in Hawaii are orful of the commercial fish species Availability and Seasonality: caught by longlining. available in Hawaii. A silvery-grey Distribution: upper body color shades to a rose Opah are not found in schools, and red dotted with white spots toward thus are not caught in great num- Virtually all opah landed by longlin- the belly. Its fins are crimson and its bers. However, individual fish are ers is sold fresh through the Hono- large eyes are encircled with gold. regularly caught by longline boats lulu fish auction. The moonfish’s large, round profile fishing in the deep ocean. Landings may be the origin of its name. Opah follow no set pattern in any particu- Quality landed in Hawaii range from 60 to lar area, but the presence of opah at over 200 pounds in round weight. the depths of longline fishing gear Shelf Life and Quality Control: It is an open ocean (pelagic) species may be related to vertical migra- The shelf life (3 weeks) is as long often found in the deep water in the tions from the deep up the slopes of as that of some fresh tuna species company of tunas and billfish. seamounts in search of food. Opah landed by the longline fleet. The first are taken on longline gear year- outward signs of deterioration are round, but landings seem to peak in faded skin colors and softness. April-August. Product Forms and Yields: Preparations came commercially important in the The entire opah catch is landed as late 1980’s. The opah was viewed as restaurant use, both in Hawaii and is attractive to restaurants. Opah on the U.S. mainland. The average as a gesture of goodwill rather than is used for grilling, infrequently as sell it. sashimi, and is excellent smoked. Color, Taste, Texture: The opah was previously an under-

Historical Note has found a special place on restau- a different color. Behind the head rant menus as a “catch of the day” and along the backbone is an orange In Hawaii, the opah has historically been part of the multi-species catch and has become very popular. of longline gear. This species be-

- - - prising a very small percentage of a

to a brown color and is somewhat

Hawaii Seafood Council Acknowledgement: produced with support from NOAA www.hawaii-seafood.org