mirugai clam; gaper clam (Tresus keenae)
A species of large saltwater clam found in Japan; often used in sushi and sashimi. The name is sometimes associated with the seaweed 海松 (miru).
See also: ミルクイ
Mirugai is popular as a sushi topping.
I bought a large mirugai clam at the market.
A type of seaweed; the name ミルガイ may derive from its resemblance to this seaweed.
General term for shellfish; ミルガイ is a specific type of clam.
Katakana spelling is common for this species name; usually written in kana.
Mixed kanji-kana spelling; rarely used.
Kanji spelling using 海松 (miru, a type of seaweed) and 貝 (shellfish); rarely used.
Variant kanji spelling; rarely used.
Usually written 海松貝 or 水松貝, from 海松, a marine alga, and 貝, “shellfish.” The name is associated with the resemblance of the clam’s exposed siphon to 海松.