Is Squirrelfish kosher?

Squirrelfish is kosher according to Jewish dietary law.

What is the scientific name of Squirrelfish?

The scientific name of Squirrelfish is Holocentrus adscensionis.

Does Squirrelfish have fins and scales?

Yes. Squirrelfish has both fins and removable scales, which is the requirement set in Leviticus 11:9-12 and Deuteronomy 14:9-10 for a fish to be considered kosher.

Can I eat Squirrelfish sushi or sashimi?

If Squirrelfish is prepared in a kosher kitchen with kosher utensils and ingredients, Squirrelfish sushi or sashimi can be kosher. Always verify the kosher certification of the restaurant or preparation source.

Where can I find more information about whether Squirrelfish is kosher?

KosherFish.co references the Orthodox Union (OU) and Chabad lists of kosher and non-kosher fish. For specific halachic questions, consult your local Orthodox rabbi.

Squirrelfish

Holocentrus adscensionis

Kosher

Has fins and scales

Fins Yes

Scales Yes

Description

Squirrelfish, called menpachi in Hawaii, are popular there fried whole or used in soups.

Squirrelfishes (family Holocentridae) are reef fish of warm seas. Holocentrus species live in the Atlantic, while most Neoniphon and Sargocentron species come from the Indo-Pacific. They are nocturnal, sheltering in the reef by day and feeding at night.

Also known as

Menpachii
Squirrelfishes
Menpachi

Kosher Squirrelfish in foreign languages

Scientific	Holocentrus adscensionis
Portuguese	Serrano-do-Atlântico
Chinese	美麗沙鮨

Gallery

Squirrelfish — Alive — Alive · Internet Archive Book Images / No restrictions

Warnings & Kosher Issues

Kosher. Squirrelfish are ray-finned fish with fins and scales.
As tropical reef fish, some can carry ciguatera toxin in affected areas.