trash fish

American  

noun

1. a fish traditionally sold only for animal feed or manufactured products.

---

Etymology

Origin of trash fish

First recorded in 1940–45

Example Sentences

What had been a trash fish for the better part of the 20th century could suddenly transform into one of the most sought-after ingredients through the innovation of this one individual at Japan Airlines.

From Los Angeles Times

I love working with "trash fish."

From Salon

A trash fish is a fish that is normally thrown back or considered as "not good enough meat."

From Salon

For years, lampreys were deliberately poisoned along with other so-called trash fish.

From Seattle Times

“I would say that anyone who says they are a trash fish hasn’t caught one,” Kambouris told me.

From Washington Post