Top Dwarf Bobtail Squid Fishing Countries

The dwarf bobtail squid (most commonly referring to species in the genus *Sepiola*, such as *Sepiola atlantica* and related species) is a small cephalopod found in shallow coastal waters of the eastern Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. Characterized by their diminutive size, rounded mantle, and bioluminescent organs, these squids are valued both as bait in larger fisheries and, in some regions, as a delicacy. The top countries involved in the commercial harvest of dwarf bobtail squid are primarily Mediterranean and southern European nations, including Italy, Spain, Greece, and Turkey. These countries use small trawl nets and artisanal fishing methods to catch the squid, which are often sold fresh in local markets or exported as part of the broader cephalopod trade. While the dwarf bobtail squid fishery is relatively small compared to those targeting larger squid species, it remains an important component of local economies and traditional diets in these coastal regions.

Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.