The Common Bobtail Squid (Sepietta oweniana) is a small cephalopod found primarily in the eastern Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, recognized for its rounded body and bioluminescent capabilities. This species is typically harvested as bycatch in trawl fisheries targeting other cephalopods and demersal fish. The leading countries involved in the fishing of the Common Bobtail Squid include Italy, Spain, and Greece, where it is valued both for local consumption and export, often featured in Mediterranean cuisine. The fishing industry for bobtail squid is generally small-scale but significant in these regions, with landings peaking during the warmer months when the species is most abundant in coastal waters. Sustainable management is increasingly important, as bobtail squid play a vital role in marine ecosystems as both predator and prey.
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Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.