Pacific Moonfish

About

The Pacific Moonfish is one of the most colorful of the commercial fish species available in Hawaii. Its fins are crimson, and its large eyes are encircled with gold. The moonfish's large, round profile may be the origin of its name. Moonfish landed in Hawaii range from 60 to over 200 pounds in round weight.

Information

Other names: Pámpanos, Selene Peruviana, Opah

Translations: Klusā Moonfish, Ramiojo vandenyno Moonfish, Thái Bình Dương Moonfish, Stille Moonfish, प्रशांत Moonfish, Pacífico Moonfish, Тихоокеанский Мунфиш, المحيط الهادئ Moonfish, 태평양 Moonfish, Pacifik Moonfish, Moonfish Pasifik, Pacific tabas, 太平洋蒙菲什, Pacífico Moonfish, Pacific lunasti, Tichomorie Moonfish, Pacifico Moonfish, השקט Moonfish, Атлантиц Моонфисх, 太平洋ムーンフィッシュ, Pacifique Moonfish, Pacífic Moonfish, Тихоокеанський Мунфіш, Tyynenmeren Moonfish, Тихо Moonfish

Physical Description

The Pacific Moonfish has a rectangular, strongly compressed body, with a deep head that has a steep concave forehead-snout profile and a protruding snout. A silvery-grey upper body color shades to a rose red dotted with white spots toward the belly

Colors: Silver-gray

Tasting Notes

Mouthfeel: Rich

Food complements: Roasted vegetables, Shrimp

Wine complements: Valpolicella, Riesling

Substitutes: Atlantic moonfish, Tuna or pompano

Selecting and Buying

Seasonality: january, february, march, april, may, june, july, august, september, opctober, november, december

Choosing: Fresh smelling and looking. Eyes should be clear and glossy.

Buying: It is marketed fresh and salted or dried. Caught and available all year round.

Procuring: Fish it in Southern California to the Gulf of California to Chile and the Galapagos. It likes sandy bottoms.

Preparation and Use

When the fish is cooked, all the flesh turns white except the bright red breast area turns brown. To check the fish for doneness, use the tip of a sharp knife and cut through the thickest part of the fillet. If the fish has been properly cooked, the meat will appear opaque but will still be moist. Moonfish is used for sashimi, for grilling, and for smoking.

Cleaning: Remove scales, head and bones. Wash with water and pat dry.