All Species

Arrow squid

Latin Name: Nototodarus gouldi, N.sloanii

Weight: 0.1 - 1.3 kg

Length: 20–35cm

Family: Arrow squid belongs to the Ommastrephidae family of oceanic squids. Two species are commonly found in New Zealand waters, the northern arrow squid (Nototodarus gouldi) and the southern arrow squid (Nototodarus sloanii).

  • Wild Caught
  • Farmed

Location

Arrow squid is widely distributed throughout New Zealand waters, particularly over the continental shelf. These pelagic species live in the water column rather than on the seabed and are commonly found from the surface to depths of around 500 metres. The northern arrow squid is more common in warmer northern waters, while the southern arrow squid is found mainly in southern and south-eastern waters.

Sustainability

Sustainability of this New Zealand fishery is ensured through the world-leading Fisheries Act and Quota Management System (QMS). Arrow squid is managed within the QMS as the SQU fishery, which includes several fish stocks around New Zealand. Because squid grow rapidly and complete their life cycle within approximately one year, abundance can vary considerably between years.

The map shows the quota management areas (QMAs) relevant to this fishery. Source: Fisheries New Zealand (MPI) NABIS spatial data.

Fishing Methods

Fishing Methods

Hook & Line Hook & Line
Trawl Trawl

Fishing Season

  • JAN

  • FEB

  • MAR

  • APR

  • MAY

  • JUN

  • JUL

  • AUG

  • SEP

  • OCT

  • NOV

  • DEC

Peak Season
Off Season

Nutrition

Source: Biotin (vitamin B7), Pantothenic acid (vitamin B5), vitamin C, vitamin E, Copper, Iodine, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium

Good Source: Niacin (vitamin B3), Vitamin B12, Selenium, Omega-3 fatty acids

Seafood is a highly nutritious food and is a great source of protein. Many species are low in saturated fat and a number of them are a good source of Omega 3.

 

Did you know?

New Zealand waters are home to more than 80 species of squid, including the giant squid, one of the largest invertebrates on Earth. Arrow squid are among the most commercially important of these species.

The New Zealand squid fishery began in the late 1970s and reached a peak in the early 1980s when squid jigging vessels came to fish seasonally in the NZ Exclusive Economic Zone. Most squid are now taken by a New Zealand-based trawl fleet.

Cooking Tips

Arrow squid has firm, ivory-coloured flesh that turns white when cooked. The key to tender squid is cooking it either very quickly over high heat or slowly for an extended period. Overcooking for a short time can make the flesh tough and rubbery.

Try it:

• Grilled
• Barbecued
• Fried
• Baked
• In stir-fries

For best results, cook squid quickly for 30 seconds to 1 minute over high heat, or slow-cook for at least 20 minutes.

Arrow squid Recipes

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