noun
Japanese crayfish
Refers to the species Cambaroides japonicus, native to Japan. Often contrasted with the invasive アメリカザリガニ (red swamp crayfish).
See also: アメリカザリガニ
北海道の清流にはニホンザリガニが生息している。
Japanese crayfish inhabit the clear streams of Hokkaido.
ニホンザリガニはアメリカザリガニより小型で、はさみが細い。
The Japanese crayfish is smaller than the red swamp crayfish and has slender claws.
The invasive red swamp crayfish (Procambarus clarkii), commonly found in Japan. Larger and more aggressive than the native Japanese crayfish.
Compound of 日本 (Nihon, 'Japan') + ザリガニ (zarigani, 'crayfish'). The word ザリガニ is a shift from さりがに (sarigani), itself from さら (sara, 'plate') + 蟹 (kani, 'crab'), referring to the crab-like shape.