Market Name: California, Monterey, San Pedro or market squid, long-finned squid, winter squid, Boston squid
Scientific Name: Loligo opalescens, L. pealei, Illex illecebrovus
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| Dozens of species of commercially important squid are found worldwide, but three dominate the U.S. supply. Loligo opalescens, or market squid, measure 3 to 5 in. long and are harvested during fall and winter in Southern California and during spring and summer near Monterey, in depths of 50 to 300 ft. They are taken primarily by purse seiners, some assisted by "light boats" that attract squid to the surface with lights. L. pealei and I. illecebrosus are larger than market squid and are taken from North Carolina to Labrador. East Coast squid are primarily harvested by trawling, in depths of about 300 ft. Only 5 percent of the domestic catch is sold fresh. Most squid is exported. |
Markets: US - Japan - Spain - Greece - China - Portugal - Italy