Longfin Squid
Doryteuthis (Amerigo) pealeii
Also known as Longfin inshore squid, Loligo, Winter squid, Boston squid
Culinary Profile
Mild and slightly sweet.
Firm.
Squid are an excellent source of selenium, riboflavin, and vitamin B12.
Gastronomic Specifications
Biology & Habitat
Appearance
Longfin squid have an internal shell called a “pen.” Their fins are long, at least half the length of the mantle (large part of the squid in front of the head). The head has large eyes that are covered by a cornea. They are pink or orange and mottled with brown or purple.
Biology
Longfin squid grow fast, up to 1.6 feet mantle length (large part of the squid in front of the head), but usually less than 1 foot. They have a short life span, reproducing right before they die at around six to eight months old. Their growth and development is highly sensitive to environmental conditions. Squid hatched in the summer grow faster than those hatched in the winter.
Where They Live
Range Longfin squid are found from Newfoundland to the Gulf of Venezuela. In the northwest Atlantic Ocean, longfin squid are most abundant between Georges Bank and Cape Hatteras, North Carolina. Habitat Adults live over mud or sand/mud substrates of the continental shelf and upper continental slope in waters as deep as 1,300 feet.
How to Buy & Source
Availability
Year-round.
Source
U.S. wild-caught from Southern Massachusetts to North Carolina.
Commercial Fishery & Harvest
In 2023, commercial landings totaled 39 million pounds, and were valued at $39 million, according to the NOAA Fisheries commercial fishing landings database . Fisheries for longfin squid reflect the species’ seasonal migrations. The majority of landings come from Rhode Island, New York, New Jersey, and Massachusetts. Harvested for bait since the late 1800s, longfin squid have been harvested since the mid-1960’s for their mild, sweet meat. Gear types, habitat impacts, and bycatch: The majority of longfin squid is harvested year-round using small-mesh bottom trawls. There are now only a few fishermen that use pound nets and fish traps during the spring and early summer when squid migrate inshore.
Nutritional Benchmarking Across 111 Species
Where Longfin Squid ranks against the rest of the catalogue on each of USDA FoodData Central's per-100 g nutrient measures.
| Nutrient | Value | Rank | Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zinc | 1.53 mg | 11 / 111 | 90% |
| Choline | 65 mg | 12 / 65 | 82% |
| Selenium | 44.8 µg | 16 / 106 | 85% |
| Phosphorus | 221 mg | 39 / 111 | 65% |
| Omega-3 DHA | 342 mg | 42 / 104 | 60% |
| Omega-3 EPA | 146 mg | 44 / 104 | 58% |
| Iron | 0.68 mg | 52 / 111 | 53% |
| Vitamin B12 | 1.3 µg | 68 / 106 | 36% |
| Protein | 15.58 g | 88 / 111 | 21% |
Other New England/Mid-Atlantic Fisheries
Sustainable species managed out of the same regional fishery council as Longfin Squid.
Atlantic Bigeye Tuna
Thunnus obesus
Bigeye tuna has a mild, meaty flavor, with a higher fat content than yellowfintuna. Sashimi lovers prefer it.
Atlantic Blacktip Shark
Carcharhinus limbatus
Sweet, meaty taste.
Atlantic Cod
Gadus morhua
Atlantic cod has a mild clean flavor. It is sweeter than Pacific cod.
Atlantic Common Thresher Shark
Alopias vulpinus
Mild flavor.
Atlantic Herring
Clupea harengus
Small fresh herring have a more delicate flavor, while larger herring have a fuller, oilier flavor.
Atlantic Mackerel
Scomber scombrus
Mackerel has a rich, pronounced flavor. For a milder flavor, cut out the outer bands of dark meat along the midline.
Atlantic Mahi Mahi
Coryphaena hippurus
Mahi mahi has a sweet, mild flavor. For a milder flavor, trim away darker portions of the meat.
Atlantic Sharpnose Shark
Rhizoprionodon terraenovae
Reported to be quite tasty.
Atlantic Skipjack Tuna
Katsuwonus pelamis
Skipjack tuna has the most pronounced taste of all of the tropical tunas.
Atlantic Spiny Dogfish
Squalus acanthias
Mild and sweet.
Similar by Flavour: Other Mild-Tasting Species
If you enjoy the mild flavour profile of Longfin Squid, these other species in the catalogue will feel familiar on the palate.
Acadian Redfish
Sebastes fasciatus
Mild and slightly sweet. Redfish can be used as a substitute for haddock and similar fish.
Alaska Pollock
Gadus chalcogrammus
Pollock has mild-tasting flesh and is similar to other white fish like cod or haddock.
American Lobster
Homarus americanus
Mild and sweet.
Arrowtooth Flounder
Atheresthes stomias
Mild, sweet flavor.
Atlantic Bigeye Tuna
Thunnus obesus
Bigeye tuna has a mild, meaty flavor, with a higher fat content than yellowfintuna. Sashimi lovers prefer it.
Atlantic Cod
Gadus morhua
Atlantic cod has a mild clean flavor. It is sweeter than Pacific cod.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Longfin Squid a good source of vitamin B12?
Yes — Longfin Squid provides 1.3 µg of vitamin B12 per 100 g raw, which is 54% of the 2.4 µg daily value.
How should Longfin Squid be cooked?
Longfin Squid has Firm. — suited to gentle methods that preserve moisture (poaching, sous-vide, low-heat roasting) as much as high-heat techniques (grilling, searing), depending on thickness of the cut.
Where is Longfin Squid found?
Range Longfin squid are found from Newfoundland to the Gulf of Venezuela. In the northwest Atlantic Ocean, longfin squid are most abundant between Georges Bank and Cape Hatteras, North Carolina. Habitat Adults live over mud or sand/mud substrates of the continental shelf and upper continental slope in waters as deep as 1,300 feet.
Sustainability Story
U.S. wild-caught longfin squid is a smart seafood choice because it is sustainably managed and responsibly harvested under U.S. regulations.
Stock Structure
The species has a lifespan of less than one year. According to the 2023 stock assessment, longfin squid is not overfished. There is currently not enough information to determine whether the stock is subject to overfishing. Summary stock assessment information can be found on Stock SMART .
Population
The stock is not overfished.
Fishing Rate
Overfishing status is unknown, but management measures are in place.
Habitat Impacts
Fishing gears used to harvest longfin squid have minimal impacts on habitat.
Bycatch
Regulations are in place to minimize bycatch.
Management
NOAA Fisheries and the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council manage the longfin squid fishery. Managed under the Atlantic Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish Fishery Management Plan : Fishermen with a limited access permit can fish for unlimited amounts of longfin squid while the fishery is open.
Data Source: NOAA Fisheries
Nutritional Profile
per 100 g raw edible portion · 21 values
Energy
Macronutrients
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Vitamins
Minerals
Source: USDA FoodData Central (SR Legacy). %DV is percent of 2,000-kcal daily value for adults.
calendar_month Harvest Season
Frozen available year-round.