SQUID BIO
SCIENTIFIC NAMES:
Loligo opalescens
Illex illecebrosus
Illex argentinus
Dosidicus gigas – Humboldt squid
AKA:
Calamari
Loligo: California market squid
Illex: Northern Shortfin Squid or Argentine Squid
Humboldt squid – Giant squid, Jumbo squid, jumbo flying squid, pota or diablo rojo
PROMINENT FEATURES:
Like all other cephalopod mollusks – Squid have a distinct head, bilateral symmetry, a mantle, and arms. The Squid’s body consists of eight arms and two tentacles. The long tubular shaped body is the mantle. The Squids’ mouth is nestled in between the arms. Squid range in length from one inch to six feet. There are over 300 species of Squid that can be found in both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans – geographic range varies for each species.
Loligo is the generic name for several sub-species – the most abundant are referred to as California Market Squid (Loligo opalescens). There are also Atlantic Loligo species – though few in comparison to the Pacific species. Loligo species are most commonly found in the Pacific Ocean – ranging from Baja, California to Southeastern Alaska. The most abundant populations are between Baja and Monterey Bay, California – these populations are referred to as California Market Squid (Loligo opalescens). This is the squid that you will generally find in our one and 5 lb packages.
Northern Shortfin Squid is found in the Atlantic Ocean – ranging from Newfoundland to Florida. Argentine Squid is found off the east coast of South America – near Argentina and the Falkland Islands. The Illex squid is darker in color, larger and tougher than the Loligo. We offer Illex squid in 1 lb , 5 lb and bulk.
Argentine Squid is one of several species of imported squid that we refer to as “Swordfish Squid” due to the size. We sell these squid in small packs as well as bulk packaging.
The Humboldt squid, is a large, predatory squid living in the waters of the Humboldt Current in the eastern Pacific Ocean. They can travel at a speed of 15 mph and are extremely aggressive and fast growing. Our squid wings and Squid Bits are produced from the “Red Devil” squid.
FISHY FACTS:
Squid propel themselves tail-first through the water by pumping water through valves located near their head. Squid is so enticing to fish that professional sport fisherman will go so far as to paint squids on the bottoms of their boats because they are not allowed to chum during certain tournaments.
USES:
Squid is one of the most versatile baits to use. Anything that will bite a hook can be caught with squid. Squid can be used cut, whole – and may be used as a terminal bait or trolled.
PACKAGE FORMS:
1 lb vacuum bag
1 lb box
5 lb vacuum bag
5 lb box
Squid Bits – 10 oz bags
Packed individually
Bulk packaging
