also: じいがせ
chiton; sea cradle
General term for any marine mollusk of the class Polyplacophora. In everyday contexts, usually written in katakana.
Chitons cling to rocks.
Japanese chiton
Specifically refers to Acanthopleura japonica, a common chiton species in Japan. Often included under the general term ヒザラガイ.
Japanese chitons are commonly seen on the rocky shores around here.
Katakana spelling is standard for this organism; usually written in kana.
Kanji spelling; rarely used in practice. The reading ひざらがい is restricted to this and the 火皿貝/石鼈 forms.
Alternate kanji spelling; rarely used.
Alternate kanji spelling; also read じいがせ. The reading ひざらがい is valid for this form.
Alternate reading for 石鼈; also read ひざらがい. This reading is also used for 爺が背.
Alternate kanji spelling for the reading じいがせ; rarely used.
The name ヒザラガイ (膝皿貝) literally means 'knee-plate shellfish', from the appearance of the shell plates resembling a knee cap. The reading じいがせ is of uncertain origin.