Common Name: European Squid

Scientific Name: Loligo vulgaris

Description:

The European Squid, known locally in the Comunidad Valenciana as "calamar," is a prominent member of the family Loliginidae. It is a cephalopod mollusk, featuring a soft, elongated body with a distinctive torpedo shape that contributes to its ability to swim rapidly through the water.

• Size and Shape: Loligo vulgaris can grow up to 40-60 cm in length but generally averages around 30 cm. Its body is streamlined and adapted for swift swimming, with a head that is small in proportion to its elongated mantle.
• Coloration: The skin of the European Squid is usually a reddish-brown color with the ability to change to match its environment, a characteristic it uses for both camouflage and communication.
• Arms and Tentacles: This species has ten limbs, consisting of eight shorter arms and two longer tentacles. The arms are equipped with suckers, aiding in capturing prey.
• Diet: Loligo vulgaris typically feeds on small fish and other mollusks, employing its agility and tentacles to capture food.

Habitat:

The European Squid is primarily found in the eastern parts of the Atlantic Ocean, from the North Sea down to the western African coasts, and is also present in the Mediterranean Sea, including the waters surrounding the Comunidad Valenciana.

Importance:

• The European Squid is economically significant due to its culinary value; it is a popular ingredient in Mediterranean dishes such as "calamares a la romana" and "arroz negro" in the Comunidad Valenciana.
• It also plays an important ecological role as both predator and prey within its marine ecosystem.

The Loligo vulgaris holds cultural and gastronomical importance in the region, found both in the wild seas around Valencia and in local markets, serving as a connection between natural marine beauty and traditional Valencian cuisine.