Shijimi (Clam) - Shijimi (Clam)

Japanese: シジミ(蜆) - シジミ

A general term for bivalve mollusks of the Corbicula family. There are three species in Japan. Yamato Shijimi is about 3.5cm high, 4cm long, and 2.5cm wide, and is jet black. Young shells are yellowish brown. It lives in brackish waters such as river mouths and lagoons throughout Japan, and is oviparous. Ma Shijimi is about 3.5cm high, 4cm long, and 2cm wide, and is black with a dull luster. Young shells are greenish yellow, and as they grow, they develop burnt black spots. It lives in rivers and lakes throughout Japan, and is viviparous. Seta Shijimi is similar in shape and size to Yamato Shijimi, but the apex of the shell is more swollen and it is oviparous. It is a specialty of the Lake Biwa water system, but in recent years it has been transplanted to Lake Kawaguchi, Lake Suwa, and other areas. Both species are eaten and enjoyed in miso soup.

Source : Heibonsha Encyclopedia About MyPedia Information

Japanese:

シジミ科の二枚貝の総称。日本産は３種。ヤマトシジミは高さ3.5cm，長さ4cm，幅2.5cmくらいで，漆黒色。幼貝は黄褐色。日本全国の河口，潟などの汽水域にすみ，卵生。マシジミは高さ3.5cm，長さ4cm，幅2cmくらい，黒色で光沢は鈍く，幼貝は緑黄色，成長に従って焦げたような黒斑ができる。全国の河川や湖沼にすみ，胎生。セタシジミは形，大きさともヤマトシジミに似るが，殻頂はいっそうふくらんで，卵生。琵琶湖水系特産だが，近年は河口湖，諏訪湖等にも移殖されている。いずれも食用，みそ汁などにして賞味される。

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