Red seabream

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.

Red sea bream at a fish store in Ueno, Japan

Madai in Yamagata, Japan

In Japan, Pagrus major is known as madai (真鯛, or "genuine tai") and is prized both for its flavor and for its traditional use as an auspicious food often served during Japanese New Year and festive occasions such as weddings. In Korea, it is known as Ch'amdom (참돔). Pagrus major is also the most commonly eaten fish in Taiwan. This fish is grilled over charcoal or wood fire in Spain and known as "besugo". It can also be served with buckwheat groats.

Pandora is a highly related fish found in the eastern Mediterranean.

The Madai / Red seabream (真鯛, lit. "Genuine Seabream"), is fish native to Japan and to Japanese culture and cuisine. The Madai is also featured among Engimono, as its red colour is seen as auspicious. The Madai is often seen in concert with Ebisu, as he is the Patron Kami of fisherman and one of the Shichifukujin.