also: ちごがに
Ilyoplax pusilla (crab species)
A small crab species found in tidal flats; the name is usually written in kana.
I observed Ilyoplax pusilla crabs on the tidal flat.
Hiragana spelling; also common; usually written in kana.
Kanji spelling is rare and may not be widely recognized; lists a search-only kanji form 稚児がに.
The name チゴガニ (稚児蟹) literally means 'child crab', likely referring to its small size. The exact derivation is uncertain.