Amidst the vast, mystical waters of the Indian Ocean lies a creature of wonder and mystery, known as the Indian squid. With tentacles that stretch out like arms of an octopus, it glides through the depths, a sight to behold for those lucky enough to catch a glimpse. Its iridescent skin shimmers in the light, displaying hues of purple, blue, and green, like a mesmerizing work of art painted by nature itself. This elusive cephalopod, with its intelligence and agility, embodies the enigmatic beauty of the ocean, a symbol of the endless marvels that lie beneath its surface.
| Fish Characteristic | Description |
| Common Name | Indian Squid |
| Scientific Name | Uroteuthis duvauceli |
| Colour (s) | Pale white or pinkish-grey |
| Average Length | Up to 25 cm |
| Average Weight | Up to 100 grams |
| Which coastal waters its found? | East coast and West coast of India, with seasonal variations in abundance. |
Features
Indian squid, also known as the Indian calamari, is a cephalopod species that is commonly found in the waters off the coasts of India. They are typically around 20-30 cm in length, although larger specimens can reach up to 50 cm.
Indian squid has a distinctive coloration, with a light pinkish-gray body and two large fins on either side. They have eight arms and two longer tentacles that they use to capture prey.
In terms of speed, squid is fast swimmers and are capable of propelling themselves through the water using a jet propulsion system. This allows them to reach speeds of up to 40 km/h when escaping from predators or chasing prey.
Indian squid is an important commercial species and is caught using a variety of fishing methods such as trawling, jigging, and hand lining. They are highly valued for their tender and flavorful meat, which is used in a range of dishes such as calamari fry, squid masala, and squid curry.
Habitat and Food
Squids are found in a variety of habitats in the Indian Ocean, ranging from coastal waters to the open sea. They are commonly found in depths of 100 to 500 meters, although some species can be found as deep as 1,500 meters. Squids tend to prefer areas with high levels of dissolved oxygen, as this is crucial for their respiration.
In terms of food, squids are active predators and feed on a range of small fish, crustaceans, and other squids. They use their powerful tentacles and beaks to capture and tear apart their prey, which they then swallow whole.
Along the coast of India, squids are commonly found in the waters off the coasts of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Goa. They are an important catch for local fishermen, who use a variety of fishing techniques such as trawling and jigging to catch them. Squids are highly prized for their tender and flavorful meat, which is used in a variety of dishes such as fried calamari and spicy squid curry.
IUCN Status
The Indian squid has been assessed as “Least Concern” by the IUCN, which means that it is not currently considered to be at risk of extinction. This is likely due to its wide distribution and relatively stable population size.
The bigfin reef squid, on the other hand, has been assessed as “Data Deficient” by the IUCN, which means that there is not enough information available to determine its conservation status. More research is needed on this species to determine whether it is at risk of extinction and to develop conservation measures if necessary.
