also: さるぼおがい
Anadara kagoshimensis; ark clam species
A species of ark clam found in East Asian waters. The name literally means 'monkey cheek clam', likely from its appearance. Usually written in katakana as サルボウガイ.
Anadara kagoshimensis is often caught in the Ariake Sea.
Standard katakana spelling; usually written in kana.
Kanji spelling is rare; the word is usually written in kana. The kanji are descriptive: 猿 (monkey) + 頬 (cheek) + 貝 (shellfish).
Variant kanji spelling using 頰 (an older form of 頬). Extremely rare.
Alternate katakana spelling reflecting the variant reading さるぼおがい.
Hiragana spelling of the variant reading; very rare.
The name is a compound of 猿 (さる, monkey), 頬 (ほお/ぼう, cheek), and 貝 (がい, shellfish), likely referring to the clam's appearance. The exact origin is uncertain.