Hakkaku (sailfin poachers)

Hakkaku (eight angle dragon fish) sometimes called tokubire or sail fin poacher is a rare fish found during winter (January - February) in Japan. It lives on sandy ocean floors at a depth of 150m off the shores of Hokkaido.

During the Edo Period, it is considered very auspicious if it is found caught in the net.

The flesh is high in fat and has a sweet delicate flavour, most commonly grilled or served as sashimi.