Shen Collection, Lower Volume Radical: Insect (chóng) Kangxi stroke count: 21 Page 1102, Entry 14 Tang Dynasty Rhyme Dictionary (Tangyun), Collection of Rhymes (Jiyun), and Collection of Rhymes Compiled (Yunhui) all state the pronunciation is li (falling tone). According to the Explaining Graphs and Analyzing Characters (Shuowen), it is written as a variant form (li). It belongs to the clam family. It resembles the short-necked clam but is slightly larger and is produced in the sea; it is currently consumed as food by people. The Categorized Compilation (Leipian) states that when a carved bird reaches one hundred years of age, it transforms into this creature. The Broad Rhyme Dictionary (Guangyun) states it is the oyster. The Miscellaneous Morsels from Youyang (Youyang Zazu) states that the prefix in the term for oyster does not refer to the male gender; among shelled creatures, only the oyster is formed from the solidification of salt water. The Materia Medica (Bencao) notes that they are now found along all seashores, growing attached to rocks, with lumps connected together like houses; this is called an oyster house, and the people of Jin'an call it hao pu. Guo Pu, in his Rhapsody on the Yangtze River (Jiangfu), writes: "Oysters are piled in a rugged, stony mass." The commentary notes that the Records of the Customs and Products of Linhai (Linhai Shuitu Wuzhi) states that oysters can reach seven feet in length. The Records of Southern Viet (Nanyuezhi) states that the shape of an oyster resembles a horse hoof. There is also the stone oyster. The Materia Medica notes that the sea kite fish is also known by the name stone oyster. Furthermore, according to the Collection of Rhymes Compiled (Yunhui) and Correct Rhymes (Zhengyun), it is also pronounced lai (falling tone), with the same meaning. It is also written in a variant form.