Differences between Todarodes pacificus Squid and Argentine Illex Squid

Japanese flying squid usually refers to Todarodes pacificus, also known as Oriental squid, etc. Argentine squid generally refers to Illex argentinus. They differ in the following aspects:

Appearance and Form

• Body size: Todarodes squid generally has a body length of about 220-250mm, with females being approximately 231mm and males about 230mm. The body length of Argentine Illex squid is usually 10-20cm, with adult males reaching 15cm and adult females 13-14cm. However, in recent years, due to high fishing intensity, the size of the catches has been continuously decreasing.

• Body shape: Todarodes squid has a long conical body, tapering sharply at the rear, with a length about 5 times its width. Argentine Illex squid has a conical body with a significantly narrowed rear part, and the mantle length is about 4 times its mantle width.

• Color: Todarodes squid has an appearance color of white and dark purple, with a non-circular mantle. Argentine Illex squid has a relatively dark color, mostly brownish-yellow with a whitish tint, and its mantle is relatively round.

Growth Environment

• Distribution area: Todarodes squid is mainly distributed in the western Pacific Ocean between 21°N and 50°N, including the Sea of Japan, as well as the Yellow Sea and East China Sea of China. Argentine Illex squid is distributed in the southwestern Atlantic Ocean between 22°S and 54°S, covering the continental shelves and slopes of Uruguay, Argentina, and the Falkland Islands, with particularly abundant resources between 35°S and 52°S.

• Habitat depth: Both Todarodes squid and Argentine Illex squid inhabit the continental shelf and major continental slope.

Nutritional Value

• Protein content: Both Todarodes squid and Argentine Illex squid have high protein content, but Argentine Illex squid has a relatively higher protein content. It is praised as "aquatic protein" and can be compared to abalone, the "king of seafood".

• Fat content: Both Todarodes squid and Argentine Illex squid have low fat content, but the fat content of Argentine Illex squid is lower than that of ordinary meat. Moreover, its fat contains a large amount of highly unsaturated fatty acids such as EPA and DHA, and together with the high amount of taurine in the meat, they can effectively reduce the cholesterol accumulated in the blood vessel walls, which is quite effective in preventing vascular sclerosis and the formation of gallstones.

Taste and Flavor

• Meat texture: The meat of Todarodes squid is relatively thin and has a soft, floury texture. Argentine Illex squid has thick meat, a chewy texture, and a good taste.

• Taste: Todarodes squid has a delicious taste, but it is not as rich as that of Argentine Illex squid. Argentine Illex squid has a delicious meat taste and is known as one of the best squids in the world.

Price

• Todarodes squid: Due to factors such as its growth environment and fishing difficulty, the price of Todarodes squid is relatively high.

• Argentine Ilex squid: The catch of Argentine Illex squid is relatively large, and its growth environment is relatively stable, so the price is relatively affordable.

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