Margaritifera laevis; freshwater pearl mussel
A species of freshwater mussel found in Japan. Scientific name: Margaritifera laevis.
The freshwater pearl mussel inhabits clear streams in Japan.
In this river, the freshwater pearl mussel is endangered.
Standard katakana spelling for this species name.
Kanji spelling is rare; the word is usually written in kana.
Compound of 川 (kawa, 'river') + 真珠 (shinju, 'pearl') + 貝 (kai, 'shellfish'). The exact derivation is uncertain, but the name describes a river pearl mussel.