''Meretrix lusoria'', the hamaguri, Asian hard clam or common Orient clam, is a species of saltwater clam, a marine
bivalve mollusk
Mollusca is the second-largest phylum of invertebrate animals after the Arthropoda, the members of which are known as molluscs or mollusks (). Around 85,000 extant species of molluscs are recognized. The number of fossil species is e ...
in the family
Veneridae
The Veneridae or venerids, common name: Venus clams, are a very large family of minute to large, saltwater clams, marine bivalve molluscs. Over 500 living species of venerid bivalves are known, most of which are edible, and many of which are ex ...
, the Venus clams. This species is native to Asia, found along water beds and the coastal waters of China, Korea and Japan. It is commercially exploited for
sushi
is a Japanese dish of prepared , usually with some sugar and salt, accompanied by a variety of , such as seafood, often raw, and vegetables. Styles of sushi and its presentation vary widely, but the one key ingredient is "sushi rice," also ...
, and its shells are traditionally used to make white
go stones.
The hamaguri clam is the subject of a haiku by
Matsuo Bashō.
See also
*
Kai-awase
''Kai-awase'' (貝合わせ) is a Japanese game with shells.
The shells in the inside would have elaborate paintings, often depicting scenes from the ''Tale of Genji
Tale may refer to:
* Narrative
A narrative, story, or tale is any account ...
, a Japanese game with hamaguri shells
References
Veneridae
Bivalves of Asia
Molluscs of the Pacific Ocean
Marine molluscs of Asia
Bivalves described in 1798
{{Veneridae-stub