slipper lobster (esp. Scyllarus cultrifer)
Refers to a small slipper lobster of the genus Scyllarus, particularly the species Scyllarus cultrifer. Used in marine biology and culinary contexts.
The slipper lobster lives in rocky areas of shallow seas.
The slipper lobster exhibit is popular at this aquarium.
セミエビ is a broader term for slipper lobsters in general, while ヒメセミエビ specifically refers to smaller species like Scyllarus cultrifer.
Katakana spelling is standard for this species name; usually written in kana.
Kanji spelling is rare and mainly used in taxonomic or specialized contexts; the word is usually written in kana.
Compound of 姫 (hime, 'princess; small and elegant') + 蝉海老 (semi-ebi, 'slipper lobster'), referring to a small species of slipper lobster. The exact derivation is uncertain, but the name likely describes its delicate appearance compared to larger slipper lobsters.