Knowledge of Argentine squid

Argentine squid, also known as Argentine smooth squid, belongs to the class Cephalopoda, family Illex, and its Latin name is Illex argentinus.

Morphological characteristics

The Argentine squid has a conical body shape, with a significantly thin and narrow rear part. The length of the body is about 4 times the width of the body. The widest part is located in the middle of the mantle. The mantle is muscular, and the body surface has nearly circular pigment spots of varying sizes. The two fins are connected in a slightly horizontal diamond shape, and the shallow hole in the front of the funnel depression has no longitudinal folds and side sacs, and is smooth.

Distribution area

Argentine squid is mainly distributed in the continental shelf and slope of the southwest Atlantic Ocean, with a specific range of 22°-54°S. They live in waters with a depth from the surface to 800 meters. In autumn and winter, they are densely populated in areas 50-200 meters deep on the continental shelf.

Living habits

Argentine squid is an oceanic shallow-water species with a life cycle of 1-2 years. They form dense groups in the continental shelf area in autumn and winter. The spawning period lasts throughout the year, but the peak period is in winter (May-August).

Economic value

Argentine squid has become an important target for offshore fishing due to its super strong reproductive capacity and clustering. The global annual catch is about 3.6 million tons, of which about 70% is squid, and the catch of Argentine squid is relatively large. Its meat is tender and can be eaten fresh or made into dried products, with high economic value.

Fishing situation

The fishing of Argentine squid is mainly concentrated in the western waters of Argentina, and the main fishing grounds are located on the continental shelf and continental slope in the common waters of Argentina and Uruguay at 35°-40°S. The fishing time is usually between March and August and December and February.