Kapis is known scientifically as Placuna placenta and locally as "lampirong." It is a bivalve mollusk with translucent shells and a very small body. The only source of this shell is wild stocks that used to abound in some selected areas. Available records compiled by the government-hosted, Tigbauan, Iloilo-based Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center Aquaculture Department (SEAFDEC AQD) showed that there were 27 natural kapis beds in the Philippines.

Fernandez, R. A. (2000, July 31). Kapis shell industry being revived. The Philippine Star, p. B-5.