Obokko - Obokko

…It is one of the fish that grows in succession, and is called by various names in different regions according to the stage of growth from juvenile to adult. The most common are Haku, Genpuku, Kirarago (total length 2-3cm), Oboko, Obokko, Inakko, Subashiri (3-18cm), Ina (18-30cm), and Bora (over 30cm), and the particularly large ones are called Todo (the origin of the word "todotsumari" (to end up)). It is loved as an auspicious fish, and in the past it was often served with the head and tail attached, and was an essential part of the meal for the "Okuizome" (first meal), as it was believed to represent smooth success in life. …

*Some of the terminology explanations that mention "Obokko" are listed below.

Source | Heibonsha World Encyclopedia 2nd Edition | Information

…出世魚の一つで，稚魚から成魚まで段階別に各地でいろいろな名で呼ばれる。代表的なものはハク，ゲンプク，キララゴ(全長2～3cm)，オボコ，オボッコ，イナッコ，スバシリ(3～18cm)，イナ(18～30cm)，ボラ(30cm以上)で，とくに大きくなったものをトド(〈とどのつまり〉の語源)という。縁起のよい魚として親しまれ，昔は尾頭付きの膳に出されることが多く，とくに，〈お食い初め〉の膳にはとんとん拍子に出世するということで欠かせないものであった。…

※「オボッコ」について言及している用語解説の一部を掲載しています。

出典｜株式会社平凡社世界大百科事典 第２版について | 情報