Northern squid, Long-finned squid
Veined squid is a large species that can grow to around 90cm in length. It has a long, streamlined body with distinctive veined markings along its sides, eight arms and two longer feeding tentacles. The clubs at the ends of the tentacles are covered with numerous suckers of a similar size, helping distinguish it from other squid species.
Veined squid is widely distributed across the northeast Atlantic, including waters around the UK and Ireland, and is also found around western Europe, northwest Africa and parts of the Mediterranean. It inhabits coastal and offshore waters, typically over sandy and muddy seabeds, and can be found at depths ranging from shallow coastal areas to several hundred metres.
In UK waters, veined squid is the most frequently caught squid species, although its distribution and abundance can vary considerably between seasons and years.
Sustainability Rating
Status: Veined squid grows quickly and has a relatively short lifespan of around two to three years, but it is considered more vulnerable to fishing pressure than the closely related European squid. There are currently no species-specific stock assessments for squid in UK waters, and different long-finned squid species are often recorded together. Fluctuating catches and signs of declining biomass in some areas have raised concerns about fishing pressure.
Best Choice: Line-caught or jig-caught veined squid. Jigging is a highly selective, low-impact method with very little bycatch and is considered the most sustainable way to catch this species.
Avoid: Veined squid where the fishing method and origin cannot be verified, particularly from fisheries where stocks are poorly monitored, or species are not recorded separately.
Culinary Uses
Veined squid has firm, white flesh with a mild, slightly sweet flavour.
Excellent grilled, pan-fried or quickly seared.
Can be cut into rings for calamari or used whole in seafood dishes.
Also works well in pasta, risotto, paella, stews and Asian-inspired dishes.
Best Fishing Practices
Jigging is the preferred method for responsibly sourced veined squid. Fish-shaped lures attract squid individually, making the method highly selective while producing very little unwanted catch.
Better species identification and recording are particularly important for the future management of squid fisheries. European and veined squid are frequently recorded together, making it difficult for scientists to assess individual populations accurately.
Improved monitoring and species-specific stock assessments would provide a clearer picture of fishing pressure and help ensure future catches remain sustainable.
Seasonality
Veined squid can be available for much of the year, although catches vary considerably according to location and seasonal movements. In UK waters, availability is often strongest in autumn and winter, while spawning generally occurs between December and May.
Supporting Local, Sustainable Seafood
Veined squid demonstrates why the fishing method and traceability of seafood can be just as important as the species itself. Choosing line or jig-caught squid supports selective, low-impact fishing while encouraging greater transparency within squid fisheries.
As demand for squid increases, improved monitoring and responsible sourcing will be increasingly important in protecting stocks and ensuring this versatile seafood can be enjoyed sustainably in the future.
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