SIZE:
Mantle length of males from 18 to 27 cm, up to 31 cm for females.
LIFE EXPECTANCY:
Approximately 1 year.
LIFE CYCLE:
Squid reproduce from June to December and die shortly after, which explains their short life span.
Nom
Northern shortfin squid
Illex illecebrosus
Type
Seafood - molluscs, cephalopod
Autres appellations
Northern squid, common shortfin squid, boreal squid
Nom en cuisine
Squid, northern shortfin squid
État de la ressource
Not a cause for concern
Saison de consommation
Fresh during the summer until September.
SIZE:
Mantle length of males from 18 to 27 cm, up to 31 cm for females.
LIFE EXPECTANCY:
Approximately 1 year.
LIFE CYCLE:
Squid reproduce from June to December and die shortly after, which explains their short life span.
In the water column, up to 500 m in depth.
Squid stay in the deep during daytime and migrate near the surface at night to nourish themselves.
PREYS:
Shrimps
Young cods
Squids
Smelts
PREDATORS:
Cods
Dolphins
Northern Gannets
An accomplished predator
Squid saliva is filled with toxins which allow it to paralyse its prey. Not to worry, it does not work on humans.
MACHINES:
Squid jigging.
REGULATIONS:
14 permits are issued in Quebec. Jigging has been around since the 1800s, grew in the 1970s, but lost interest in the 1980s. A recovery could be possible, but only with the re-learning of the required skills.
For the time being, Squid, both fresh and frozen, is mostly imported. In 2020, imports represented $63 million.
Northern shortfin squid is a Smarter seafood listed species.
BENEFITS:
Good source of protein, minerals, and vitamin B. Rich in Omega-3. Low in fat, as long as it is not eaten fried, of course. Harmful substances, such as mercury, are accumulated in the digestive gland, which is not eaten and therefore poses little risk of contamination.
LET’S COOK:
Firm and slightly rubbery white meat, which is sweet to the taste.
Squid is often consumed deep-fried, but have you tried it blanched, stuffed, marinated, or pan-fried? It can be eaten hot or cold, even raw if it is fresh. It is delicious with lemon juice, garlic, or olive oil. Its heavily scented ink is also quite edible.
It will stay fresh for 24 to 48 hours in the refrigerator and up to 3 months in the freezer.
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