Distribution and life history of deep-water squid of commercial interest from Australia

Abstract

Squid of continental slope and oceanic waters are not currently fished commercially within the Australian Fishing Zone although one species has been caught occasionally in commercial quantities. At least eight species of the cosmopolitan family Ommastrephidae and a variety of mostly mesopelagic species of the families Enoploteuthidae and Onychoteuthidae are represented in Australian waters. The large ommastrephid species Ommastrephes bartrami (red ocean squid), Todarodes filippovae (Southern Ocean arrow squid) and Sthenofeuthis oualaniensis (yellowback squid) have the greatest potential for commercial use. Data on the life history and distribution of the common species are synthesized to provide a baseline for future scientific studies and management strategies.