Raw Material
Commodity GroupPelagic marine finfish
Scientific NameLampris spp. (opah/moonfish; commonly marketed under Lampris guttatus and related Lampris species depending on ocean region)
PerishabilityHigh
Growing Conditions- Wild capture species found in tropical and temperate waters around the world
- Deep open-ocean habitat associated with pelagic fisheries
Main VarietiesLampris guttatus, Lampris megalopsis, Lampris incognitus, Lampris immaculatus
Consumption Forms- Frozen loins
- Frozen steaks
- Frozen fillets
Grading Factors- Frozen core temperature compliance and temperature history through the cold chain
- Dehydration/freezer burn control (glazing/packaging integrity)
- Cut integrity and absence of quality defects (odor, discoloration, excessive gaping)
- Species/market-name and documentation consistency for traceability
Market
Frozen opah (Lampris spp.; marketed as opah/moonfish) is a niche pelagic finfish in global seafood trade, supplied almost entirely by wild capture rather than aquaculture. Supply is typically opportunistic because there is generally no directed opah fishery; product is largely landed as incidental catch in tuna and swordfish fisheries (notably pelagic longline fisheries). Opah occur in tropical and temperate waters around the world, so tradeable supply can arise from multiple oceans, but volumes are comparatively small and can be irregular. International trade commonly moves as frozen loins/fillets/steaks that require continuous frozen cold-chain handling to protect quality.
Major Producing Countries- 미국Commercial landings are recorded in Hawaii; catch is largely incidental in tuna and swordfish fisheries (no directed fishery).
- 뉴질랜드Recorded as retained bycatch in tuna longline fisheries (e.g., moonfish Lampris guttatus and opah Lampris immaculatus in observer datasets).
Supply Calendar- United States (Hawaii):Apr, May, Jun, Jul, AugU.S. availability is year-round; landings in Hawaii tend to peak from April through August.
Specification
Major VarietiesOpah (Lampris spp.), Lampris guttatus (moonfish/opah), Lampris megalopsis (bigeye Pacific opah), Lampris incognitus (smalleye Pacific opah), Lampris immaculatus (southern opah)
Physical Attributes- Firm, fatty flesh with large flakes; commonly portioned into loins/steaks for foodservice
- Raw flesh color can range from dark red to orange to pink (market descriptions vary by cut and handling)
Compositional Metrics- Marketed as a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids and protein (nutrition positioning varies by jurisdiction and label claims)
Packaging- Frozen loins/fillets/steaks packed to limit dehydration; glazing is commonly used in frozen seafood to reduce freezer burn risk
- Wholesale master cartons with inner vacuum packs or poly bags are common formats in frozen finfish trade
ProcessingCommercial cutting often separates distinct muscle sections (multiple usable cuts), which can create mixed-SKU trade flows from a single fish
Risks
Non Target Catch Dependence HighGlobal supply is constrained and can be volatile because opah is often landed as incidental catch in tuna and swordfish fisheries rather than from a dedicated directed fishery; availability can shift with changes in fishing effort, bycatch rules, and ocean conditions.Maintain flexible sourcing and specifications across approved Lampris species groups; monitor regulatory changes in relevant pelagic fisheries and diversify supply channels.
Cold Chain Integrity MediumQuality loss (e.g., dehydration/freezer burn and other frozen-storage defects) can occur if frozen temperature control is not maintained consistently through storage and transport.Specify and verify -18°C (or colder) frozen-chain requirements, minimize temperature fluctuations, and use appropriate glazing/packaging and calibrated temperature monitoring.
Species Identification And Labeling MediumOpah is a species complex (Lampris spp.) and species can be difficult to distinguish visually in some fisheries; this can create labeling, traceability, and specification risk if contracts or regulations require species-level accuracy.Define acceptable market names and scientific-name tolerances in contracts, and apply documented traceability with targeted genetic/species verification where required.
IUU Fishing MediumAs a non-target component of multi-species pelagic catches, opah can enter trade channels where IUU fishing risks exist; weak controls can undermine legal supply and buyer due diligence.Require vessel/flag/area documentation and robust chain-of-custody controls; prioritize suppliers operating under port State measures and verifiable compliance programs.
Labor Rights MediumDocumented forced labour and trafficking risks in parts of the fishing sector can create serious legal and reputational exposure for seafood buyers, particularly where recruitment, oversight, and at-sea working conditions are weak.Implement human-rights due diligence for fishing-vessel supply chains (recruitment fees, contracts, grievance channels, auditability) and require alignment with relevant ILO standards.
Sustainability- Dependence on pelagic fisheries where bycatch management and protected-species interactions are material considerations
- Illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing risk in multi-species capture fisheries supply chains, especially where high-seas operations and complex transshipment/landing routes occur
Labor & Social- Forced labour and human trafficking risks in parts of the commercial fishing sector, with heightened vulnerability for migrant fishers working at sea
- Need for alignment with international labour standards and enforcement mechanisms for fisher working and living conditions (e.g., ILO Work in Fishing Convention C188)
FAQ
Is opah farmed or wild-caught in global trade?Opah in commercial trade is primarily wild-caught. In key documented supply chains (e.g., the U.S. Pacific Islands region), there is generally no directed fishery for opah and it is largely landed as incidental catch in tuna and swordfish fisheries.
Why can frozen opah supply be irregular?Supply can be irregular because opah is often not the primary target species; it is commonly landed as incidental catch in pelagic fisheries. That means availability can change with fishing effort, regulations, and ocean conditions affecting the underlying tuna and swordfish fisheries.
When is opah supply strongest in the U.S. Pacific Islands market?In the U.S. (Hawaii), opah is available year-round, but landings tend to peak from April through August.