noun
Akoya pearl oyster; Marten's pearl oyster
A species of pearl oyster (Pinctada fucata martensii) cultivated primarily for Akoya pearls. The term is used in biology, pearl farming, and jewelry contexts.
アコヤ貝は真珠養殖に使われる。
Akoya pearl oysters are used in pearl cultivation.
この真珠はアコヤ貝から採れました。
This pearl was harvested from an Akoya pearl oyster.
真珠貝 is a broader term for pearl oysters in general, while アコヤ貝 specifically refers to the Akoya pearl oyster species.
The name アコヤ (Akoya) is believed to derive from a place name or an old term for the oyster; the exact origin is uncertain. 貝 means 'shellfish'.