also: むらさきウニ
noun
purple sea urchin; Heliocidaris crassispina
A species of sea urchin found in Japanese waters, often used in sushi and seafood dishes. The scientific name is Heliocidaris crassispina (formerly Anthocidaris crassispina).
ムラサキウニは日本近海でよく見られる。
The purple sea urchin is commonly found in the seas around Japan.
この寿司屋ではムラサキウニが名物だ。
Purple sea urchin is a specialty at this sushi restaurant.
Compound of 紫 (むらさき, 'purple') and ウニ (sea urchin). The exact derivation is straightforward; the name describes the urchin's dark purple spines.