Food · Fermented foods
Kajika (Bullhead / Sculpin)
かじか (Kajika)
Also known as: Kajika, Bullhead, Sculpin, Cottus pollux, 杜父魚
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| Category | Food |
|---|---|
| Japanese labeling name | かじか |
| Common Japanese notations | かじか, 杜父魚, カジカ |
| Origin | Bullhead (Cottus pollux and related species); freshwater fish harvested in clean Japanese rivers; small specialty supply |
| Typical functions | Heritage river-cuisine specialty |
| Regulatory status in Japan | Standard food labeling. Fish allergen recommended disclosure. |
Kajika (かじか) is a bullhead/sculpin freshwater fish, niche heritage river-cuisine specialty.
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Classification
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Product applications
Functions
Regulatory tags
Origin
Common OEM product categories
Finished-product categories where Japanese OEM manufacturers commonly formulate with this ingredient.
- Limited specialty supply
Ingredient profile
Cottus pollux freshwater bullhead.
OEM applications
Heritage river cuisine.
For OEM: niche specialty consideration.
Regulatory classification in Japan
Standard food labeling. Fish allergen recommended.
Regulatory classification in other markets
| EU | Not commonly traded. |
|---|---|
| USA | Not commonly traded. |
| China | Not commonly traded. |
| Korea | Not commonly traded. |
Market reference formulations
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Seasonality & supply calendar
- Harvest months
- Wild river / lake: October – February
- Peak supply
- November – December (peak roe season for 子持ち kajika)
- Off-season
- May – September
Source: 内水面漁業 統計. Kajika is highly seasonal traditional river / Biwa Lake fish; supply is small and ages with ecosystem health.
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Quick answers
- What is Kajika (Bullhead / Sculpin)?
- Kajika (かじか) is a bullhead/sculpin freshwater fish, niche heritage river-cuisine specialty.
- What is the regulatory status of Kajika (Bullhead / Sculpin) in Japan?
- Standard food labeling. Fish allergen recommended disclosure.
- What products typically use Kajika (Bullhead / Sculpin)?
- Limited specialty supply
- Where does Kajika (Bullhead / Sculpin) come from?
- Bullhead (Cottus pollux and related species); freshwater fish harvested in clean Japanese rivers; small specialty supply
- What is the INCI / JSCI labeling name for Kajika (Bullhead / Sculpin)?
- JSCI: かじか
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References
- 文部科学省 (Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology) Standard Tables of Food Composition — かじか
Last updated: 2026-04-28. Ingredient entries are reviewed at least annually against current regulatory listings.