Washington's Squids
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| Washington's
squid generally are less than a foot long
Photo courtesy of NOAA
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To match the squid at their game, it helps
to understand more about their biology and lifestyle. This
website offers background information on these lightning-fast
animals, a collection of fishing techniques, cleaning tips,
cooking hints and recipes.
Which squid is this?
Squid found along Washington's coast, the Strait of Juan
de Fuca and Puget Sound are called Pacific squid, opalescent,
or-most commonly-market squid (Loligo opalescens).
Adult market squid found in inside waters average about eight
inches (mantle plus tentacles).
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| This Hood Canal squid performed
its quick-change artistry as it was lifted out of the
saltwater. |
Biologically, squid belong to the class of mollusks known
as cephalopods, which also include octopus. Squid are decapods,
having 10 tentacles, compared to the eight arms of octopuses.
They also are free-swimming creatures and exhibit schooling
behavior similar to many species of fish. Evidence indicates
that these squid are short-lived, probably having life spans
of no more than one year.
Spawning
Squid most commonly spawn in waters that have gently sloping
bottoms at depths of 15-60 feet. Covering a small area, anywhere
from a few to several hundred of the squids' gelatinous egg
cases can be found attached to common points, such as underwater
rocks, anchors, even crab pots. Each of the two-three inch
cylindrical cases contains 100 or so eggs.
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| Squid
eggs
Photo courtesy of NOAA |
How soon the young market squid will emerge from the egg
capsules depends on water temperature. In California waters
they have been known to hatch in 12-23 days, while mid-March
deposits in some of British Columbia's chillier waters have
taken 90 days to hatch. In Puget Sound, it takes about 70
days for the eggs to hatch.
Humboldt squid
The Humboldt species of squid is usually found off the coasts
of central and South America but has extended its range to
the north, mainly during the late summer and early fall months
when the water temperatures are at their highest.
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Humboldt squid |
Humboldt squid are a large schooling species. Most researchers
believe these squid live for only one year, but there is some
evidence they may live to age 4. During this time they may
grow to a length of 7 feet and weigh 100 pounds.
Humboldt squid seen off the Washington coast are often encountered
by persons fishing for tuna. Humboldt squid also have been
encountered in the Strait of Juan de Fuca and Hood Canal.
Commercial fisheries exist for this species in Mexico and
they can be good eating. However, you should be very careful
if you handle one of these animals. They are aggressive and
can deliver a nasty, painful bite. In Mexico these squid are
known as diablo rojo (red devil) due to their aggressive
nature.
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