moi >>> pacific threadfin >>>(polydactylus sexfilis)
moi is one the most highly prized fish for eating and it is for this reason that fishermen will guard their "moi hole" jealously... they are usually found in rough water with lots of waves and surge... they use threadfin barbels located near their mouth to disturb and turn up any crustaceans found in the sand... their diet consists mainly of shellfish which explains why they have a sweet taste almost like that of crab or shrimp...today moi are successfully farm raised in deep water offshore cages to satisfy demand in local fishmarkets and restaurants... connoisseurs will admit that the cultured fish are not quite as tasty as a wild fish though...

the story... as you can see from my website, i am pretty open as to giving away information on how to make gyotaku... however, when it comes to dive spots, things are a little different... As much as i don't want to say where this fish was caught, i will at least acknowledge that it was caught on oahu... to see these fish is really a "dream" as they are becoming more and more rare, and they get spooked easily if you are fortunate enough to even get a glimpse of them... my friend laurent s. shot this one in less than 10 feet of water as he was cruising the shallows... he had seen a school of moi before in the same dive location, but he was unable to get a clean shot to land one, but on this day his dream became a reality... After printing this trophy sized moi, my dad steamed it with ginger and green onions... i also pulled out a big kumu that i had shot the prior week from the freezer, which my dad prepared chinese black bean style... 2 prized fish fed about 10 of my family and friends... it was seriously one of the best meals that i have ever had in my life, good food and good company... now i know why only the hawaiian ali'i (or kings) were allowed to eat this fish...