Alloteuthis squids, commonly referred to as “narrow squids,” are small to medium-sized cephalopods found primarily in the eastern Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. Notable species include Alloteuthis subulata and Alloteuthis media, which are distinguished by their slender bodies and are often caught as bycatch in trawl fisheries targeting other cephalopods or demersal fish. The leading countries involved in the commercial harvest of Alloteuthis squids—often grouped under “not elsewhere included” (nei) categories in FAO statistics—are Spain, Italy, and Morocco, with additional landings from Portugal, Tunisia, and Algeria. These countries have well-established cephalopod fisheries, where Alloteuthis squids are valued both for local consumption and export, particularly in Mediterranean cuisine. The fishing industry relies on bottom trawling and artisanal methods, and while the overall catch volumes are modest compared to larger squid species, Alloteuthis squids contribute to the economic vitality of coastal communities throughout the Mediterranean and adjacent Atlantic coasts.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Portugal | 94 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.