Red sea bream is a name given to at least two species of fish of the family Sparidae, Pagrus major and Pagellus bogaraveo. Pagellus bogaraveo is also known as blackspot sea bream.
The sea bream has long been considered king among fish in Japan.
The Japanese word mede-tai means literally, "wanting of admiration, " or "auspicious" and "celebratory." Japanese are particularly fond of specific foods on auspicious occasions because of certain fortuitous plays on words, or the association of a name with words related to good fortune.
Pagrus major is known as madai and is prized both for its flavor and for its traditional use as an auspicious food often served at New Year's and festive occasions such as weddings.
