noun
finless porpoise
A small porpoise found in coastal waters of East Asia. The scientific name is Neophocaena phocaenoides.
スナメリは日本の沿岸で見られる小型のイルカの仲間です。
The finless porpoise is a small dolphin relative found along the coasts of Japan.
The name スナメリ is thought to derive from 砂 (suna, 'sand') and 海栗 (meri, an old word for sea urchin), possibly referring to its smooth, sand-colored body. The exact origin is uncertain.