Pencil Squid
Scientific name: Uroteuthis chinensis
Similar species:
Molecular studies of this group have suggested that there may be many species treated under a single species name.
Molecular studies of this group have suggested that there may be many species treated under a single species name.
The Pencil Squid forms the basis of valuable local and commercial fisheries throughout South-east Asia.
Identification
Uroteuthis chinensis is an elongate squid, typically covered in red or orange spots. They also possess a pair of light organs inside the mantle, one on each side of their ink sac. Their internal shell (gladius) is long and thin.
References
- Norman, M & A. Reid., (2000) A Guide to Squid, Cuttlefish and Octopuses of Australasia, CSIRO Publishing, Victoria (Collingwood)