Hairtail

/ˈhɛɚˌteɪl/ noun

Definition

A type of long, thin, silvery fish with a slender tail, found in ocean waters worldwide, often used as food in Asian cuisine.

Etymology

Compound of 'hair' and 'tail,' describing the fish's extremely thin, hair-like tail structure. Also called 'cutlassfish' or 'ribbonfish,' named literally for its appearance.

Kelly Says

Hairtail fish are so thin and silvery that they look almost two-dimensional when viewed head-on, and they're called 'ribbon fish' in some regions—they're a major protein source in East Asian markets but rarely seen in Western seafood counters.

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