also: むらさきウニ
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).
The purple sea urchin is commonly found in the seas around Japan.
Purple sea urchin is a specialty at this sushi restaurant.
Katakana spelling is common for this species name; usually written in kana.
Mixed kanji-kana spelling; usually written in kana.
Full kanji spelling using 海胆 for うに; rarely used in practice.
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.