Common name: Atlantic surf clam, Bar Clam, Solid Surfclam

Japanese name: Amerikaubagai (亜米利加姥貝)

Scientific name: Spisula solidissima (Dillwyn, 1817)

Nigiri sushi detail:

Characteristics:

Atlantic surf clam (Amerikaubagai) is distributed along the east coast of Canada and the United States. It inhabits sandy muddy areas in the subtidal zone to depths of 50 meters. The Sakhalin surf clam (Hokkigai) is essentially a light purple with grayish tints, while the Amerikaubagai is a bright red.

In Japan, it is distributed under the name of Canada hokkigai, but it is not a member of the Hokkiyosai family. It is mainly sold frozen, peeled and boiled, and is referred to as Hokkigai in the food‐service industry. Compared to Sakhalin surf clam (Hokkigai), the price is less than one-tenth, and it is used in large quantities for sushi and seafood salads.

For reasons unknown, it is also supplied in large quantities to the Chinese market and can always be seen in Japanese restaurants.

The official name for Hokkigai is Ubagai.