Identification Photos: Market Squid, Loligo opalescens: The Market Squid has a uniformly opalescent color and a long, tapering, cigar-shaped body that reaches between 5 and 6 inches in length. The Market Squid is found in large schools near shore in shallow regions of warm water from the southern tip of the Baja California peninsula to southeastern Alaska, being most abundant between Punta Eugenia and Monterey Bay.

The Market Squid follows large schools of fish, which provide both with food and protection since predators attack the fish first. Squid are normally harvested near the surface, but they can be found at depths up to 2,400 feet. The Market Squid does not enter brackish water such as estuaries, bays or rivers. It is short-lived, expiring after 10 months.

The Market Squid is a cephalopod with ten arms that is a member of the Loliginidae Family of neritic squid found in waters over the continental shelves. These squid range in size from 1 inch to 40 inches. There are 42 species found in 10 genera. They are an important food source for many birds, fish, and mammals.

They are harvested along the Pacific Coast in excess of 1,000,000 metric tons per annum for human consumption, fish bait, and fishmeal production.

Local commercial fishermen recommend the Market Squid for bait to be sent "down deep" as a component of a traditional bottom rig attached to size 1/0 hooks. At most times of the year they can be found in local supermarkets, marketed as "Calamar Tipo Americano" at prices of less than 30 pesos per kilogram (about $1.25 per pound).

Market Squid, Loligo opalescens: Purchased in a local supermarket in Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur, Mexico. Pictured specimens approximately 5 inches.