Photo by MBNMS

Market squid reside in both open water and semi protected coastal regions of the West Coast of North America. They are identified by their eight arms and two tentacles, which are attached to an elongated body. Spawning occurs near the Channel Islands in the fall and winter months and from spring to fall further north. The females lay thousands of fertile eggs on the sandy bottom. Once spawning is finished, the adult squid complete their life cycle and die.

Market Squid
(Loligo opalescens)

	Range from southern Alaska throughout the coastal islands of California and to northern Baja California
	The deep water and protected bays off the West Coast of North America.
	Adult squid feed on small crustaceans, fishes and even their own young
The status of this species is representative of the populations within the waters of this Sanctuary only, not global populations.
	The color of the squid is changeable, and when excited the color changes to light or dark brown.
	- Oregon State University - California Seafood Council