Unagi () is the Japanese word for freshwater eel, specifically the Japanese eel (, nihon unagi), Anguilla japonica. Unagi is a common ingredient in Japanese cuisine, typically prepared kabayaki-style. It is not to be confused with anago, which is the Japanese word for saltwater eel.
What do you call sushi containing eel?
What is the Situation with Eel? Freshwater eel, also known as unagi, is a common type of fish used in rolls. However, they are not ordinary fish. In fact, eels are so unique and difficult to properly prepare that eel chefs are a distinct profession from sushi chefs.
- If you are an avid eel eater or are planning to try it soon, there are a few things you should know before you dig in.
- Eel Facts As a result of overfishing, eel populations are threatened, and experts advise consumers to refrain from consuming them.
- However, many sushi restaurants and steakhouses still serve eel.
Other essential unagi facts include: 
In Japan, eel is so popular that it has a designated day for consumption: the midsummer day of the Ox (between mid-July and August). It is consumed by the Japanese during the warmer months because it is high in vitamins and is believed to increase stamina.
- Always prepare eel by grilling and steaming it.
- Most sushi chefs avoid cooking eel because, if not prepared properly, the flavor becomes unpleasant and the texture becomes coarse.
- When consumed uncooked, eel blood can be toxic.
- The unagi sushi version is known as unakyu.
- Although the majority of eels originate from eel farms, they are not produced in captivity.
Instead, they are captured as juveniles and raised on an eel farm until they are mature enough for consumption. Typically, eel sushi rolls are served with a brown sauce comprised of eel, sake, sugar, and soy sauce. Shogun-Style Shogun Japanese Steakhouse is the place to go if you’re dying to try eel prepared by a professional chef.
Freshwater Eel Flavor – When you think of freshwater eel, you may immediately think of delicious eel sushi dishes. In general, freshwater eels have a texture ranging from soft to medium-firm and a flavor reminiscent of lobster and chicken. Some people assert that eels have a bland flavor, but this is not the case.
- It combines sweetness with a soft but relatively firm texture to create the delectable flavor of eel meat.
- It tastes somewhat like raw salmon, squid, or lobster.
- In addition, they have a high level of oiliness.
- Indeed, eels taste very good.
- When eating freshwater eels, you can detect a robust flavor and a bit of firmness reminiscent of lobster.
In addition, the fishiness of their white meat is less pronounced than that of saltwater eels, so the fishy aftertaste is barely detectable. European eels are a species of freshwater eel with small fins and serpentine bodies. 
Are eels called tuna?
Tuna – ttou taonga – Not only are tuna (the Mori word for eels) historically significant to Mori, but they are also our taonga today. However, pressure on certain species is causing their decline.