baby spotted turtle; young Japanese pond turtle
Refers to a young Japanese pond turtle (Mauremys japonica), often seen in pet shops or in the wild. The name literally means 'coin turtle', from the small, coin-like appearance of the hatchling.
See also: イシガメ
I found a tiny baby turtle at the pet shop.
As the baby turtle grows, the pattern on its shell changes.
Katakana spelling is common and preferred; usually written in kana.
Kanji spelling is rare; the word is usually written in kana.
Compound of 銭 (zeni, 'coin') and 亀 (kame, 'turtle'), referring to the small, round, coin-like appearance of the hatchling. The exact origin is uncertain, but it is a descriptive name based on the turtle's size and shape.