Red seabream

Madai (Pagrus major) at a fish store in Ueno, Japan

Red seabream is a name given to at least two species of fish of the family Sparidae, Pagrus major and Pagellus bogaraveo.

Pagrus major

Main article: Pagrus major

Pagrus major is of great culinary and cultural importance in Japan, and is known as madai in Japanese. It is considered an auspicious fish, eaten during Japanese New Year and other special occasions, such as weddings. It is also eaten in Taiwan and Korea, where it is known as chamdom.

  • Wild madai in the waters near Yamagata, Japan
    Wild madai in the waters near Yamagata, Japan
  • Madai as an auspicious object, with straw bindings and coins at Osaka Tenmangū shrine
    Madai as an auspicious object, with straw bindings and coins at Osaka Tenmangū shrine
  • Madai sashimi
    Madai sashimi
  • Fried madai
    Fried madai
  • Tai on Bamboo Leaves, painting by Ogawa Haritsu (1663-1747)
    Tai on Bamboo Leaves, painting by Ogawa Haritsu (1663-1747)

Pagellus bogaraveo

Main article: Blackspot seabream

Pagellus bogaraveo is also known as blackspot sea bream. In Spain, the fish is known as besugo, and is often grilled over charcoal or wood fires.

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