Opah (Moonfish)

Long regarded as a "good luck" fish it was traditionally not sold - but given away as a gesture of good will in the Hawaiian islands. Opah range from 60 to over 200 pounds and is usually found in the company of tuna and billfish. They are caught year round on long line gear with the peak season being between April and August. Opah has four distinct types of flesh ranging from peak to a very dark red depending on what area of the fish it comes from. Much of it's flesh is rich and fatty and can be prepared in a wide variety of ways from sashimi to broiling. This versatility makes it desirable to many restaurants.