flapjack octopus; pancake devilfish
A species of octopus (Opisthoteuthis depressa) known for its flattened, pancake-like appearance.
メンダコは深海に生息する珍しいタコの一種だ。
The flapjack octopus is a rare type of octopus that lives in the deep sea.
Usually written in katakana; the kanji form 面蛸 is rare.
Kanji form; rarely used in practice.
Compound of 面 (men, 'face') and 蛸 (tako, 'octopus'), referring to its flattened, face-like appearance. The exact derivation is uncertain.