Mussel (Mytilus coruscus) (Mytilus crassitesta)

Japanese: イガイ(貽貝∥淡菜貝) - イガイ（英語表記）Mytilus coruscus(＝Mytilus crassitesta)

A black bivalve mollusk that grows in colonies on rocky shores facing the open ocean and has local names such as Karasugai, Setogai, and Shurigai (illustration). The shell is long and oval, measuring 13 cm in length, 6 cm in height, and 4.5 cm in bulge. It tapers and becomes pointed toward the apex. The shell is somewhat thick and easily breaks when dry. The outer surface of the shell is black, but individuals that attach to intertidal reefs develop yellowish-brown bands along the growth veins when exposed to direct sunlight. The inner surface has a strong pearlescent luster. The flesh is yellow-orange and the legs are small, with byssus threads extending between the two shells to attach to rocks.

Source: Heibonsha World Encyclopedia, 2nd Edition Information

Japanese:

外洋に面した岩磯に群がってつく黒色の貝でカラスガイ，セトガイ，シュウリガイなどの地方名があるイガイ科の二枚貝（イラスト）。殻の長さ13cm，高さ6cm，膨らみ4.5cmくらいになり，長卵形。殻頂のほうへ細くなりとがる。殻はやや厚く，乾燥すると壊れやすい。殻表は黒色であるが，潮間帯の岩礁に付着する個体は直射日光をうけると黄褐色帯が成長脈に沿ってできる。内面は強い真珠光沢がある。肉は黄橙色で足は小さく，両殻の間から足糸を出して岩に付着する。

出典　株式会社平凡社世界大百科事典第２版について　情報

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