Illex
Illex is a genus of squid in the family Ommastrephidae. These squid are found in the open ocean, particularly in the Atlantic Ocean and the Pacific Ocean. They are commercially important, with some species being fished for food and bait.
Common Names
Illex squid are known by a variety of common names, including:
- Illex squid
- Shortfin squid
- Flying squid
- Arrow squid
Characteristics
Illex squid have a number of distinctive characteristics, including:
- A long, slender body
- A pair of large, prominent eyes
- Eight arms and two long tentacles
- A sharp, pointed beak
- A mantle length that can reach up to 60 centimeters (24 inches)
Environments
Illex squid are found in a variety of oceanic environments, including:
- The epipelagic zone (the upper layer of the ocean)
- The mesopelagic zone (the middle layer of the ocean)
- The bathypelagic zone (the deeper layer of the ocean)
They are typically found in waters with temperatures between 5 and 20 degrees Celsius (41 and 68 degrees Fahrenheit).
References
For further information on Illex squid, please refer to the following websites: