also: さるぼおがい
noun
Anadara kagoshimensis; ark clam species
A species of ark clam found in East Asian waters. The name literally means 'monkey cheek clam', likely from its appearance. Usually written in katakana as サルボウガイ.
サルボウガイは有明海でよく獲れる。
Anadara kagoshimensis is often caught in the Ariake Sea.
Alternate katakana spelling reflecting the variant reading さるぼおがい.
Hiragana spelling of the variant reading; very rare.
The name is a compound of 猿 (さる, monkey), 頬 (ほお/ぼう, cheek), and 貝 (がい, shellfish), likely referring to the clam's appearance. The exact origin is uncertain.