Category: Fish
Like all eels in this genus, Japanese eels are catadromous, spending part of their life cycle in freshwater but spawning at sea. Adult eels migrate thousands of miles (without eating!) from the ocean to their freshwater spawning grounds during the breeding season. In Japan, they are called “unagi” and are a very important part of the food culture.
Hey, Fishlips!
If you’ve ever worn lipstick (or kissed anybody wearing lipstick), you’ve probably had fish scales on your lips. Of course you won’t find “herring scales from commercial fishing hauls” on the ingredients list of your cosmetics - they list it as the regal-sounding “pearl essence” or “pearlescence.” But why? Because the scales of silvery fish that capture and reflect light so beautifully in the water function the same way on your lips. So maybe next time somebody calls you “fish lips,” don’t jump to conclusions too quickly, maybe they mean it as a compliment!
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