maculated top shell
A species of sea snail, Trochus maculatus. Used in biology and shell collecting.
The maculated top shell can be found on rocky shores in the intertidal zone.
Katakana spelling is standard for this species name.
Kanji spelling is rare; the word is usually written in kana.
The name ニシキウズガイ (錦渦貝) literally means 'brocade whirlpool shell', referring to the shell's patterned, spiraled appearance. The exact derivation is uncertain.