Alloteuthis media (Linnaeus 1758)

Introduction

This small eastern Atlantic species is the type species of the genus Alloteuthis.

Maximum mantle length 12 cm; females grow bigger than males. Length at first maturity is about 9.5 cm in females, and 5.5 cm in males.

Characteristics

1. Mantle
   1. Mantle long, relatively narrow, its posterior end drawn out into a narrow, pointed tail, up to 6 cm long in adults.
2. Fins
   1. Fins heart-shaped, their lateral angles rounded, posterior borders concave, extending posteriorly along tail.
3. Buccal crown
   1. Buccal suckers absent.
4. Arms:
   1. Left ventral arm hectocotylized: 10 to 12 (usually 11) normal suckers in ventral row followed distally by papillae.
5. Tentacles
   1. Tentacles long, robust; clubs large, expanded.
   2. Large suckers in the 2 median manal series.

Habitat and biology

Found on sandy and muddy grounds.  Depth range from the surface to 350 m, usually between 20 and 200 m. Like other neritic squids, it performs seasonal migrations between offshore and inshore areas. In the Mediterranean, spawning extends throughout the year, but two groups of spawners can usually be distinguished by size and time of peak spawning, even though mixing occurs. Large individuals are encountered in February at depths between 150 and 200 m; from March to April, they start migrating into shallower waters, where spawning takes place on sandy grounds and to a minor extent, in Posidonia grass beds. The second group, composed of smaller individuals, migrates onshore in June and July and spawn later in the year. By late fall, depending on environmental temperatures, they start returning to deeper waters.

Large males may carry up to 170 spermatophores, large females 8 to 30 eggs. The eggs are shed in several batches and are encapsuled in rather short gelatinous capsules (each containing up to 1400 eggs) that are attached to hard objects on the substrate (shells, corals, stones) in batches of up to 12 capsules.

This squid feeds on crustaceans, molluscs and small fishes.
Longevity is about 1 year in males, 1 1/2 years in females.

Geographical distribution

Eastern Atlantic: Irish Sea, English Channel (very rare in North Sea) South into Mediterranean Sea.

Remarks

Other Names for Alloteuthis media (Linnaeus 1758)

• Synonymy: Loligo marmorae, Loligo parva, Loligo urceolatus
• Vernacular Names: En: Midsize squid, Fr: Casseron bambou, Sp: Calamarín menor, Local species names: France: Petit encornet; Italy: Totariello; Monaco: Totanitu; Spain: Luria; UK: Little squid.