What may be regarded as a giant Diamondback Squid was caught some eight miles west of Dog Island on Tuesday this week.
The squid measured between 3 and 4 feet long and weighed about 45 pounds.
An internet search revealed that the Diamondback Squid, whose scientific name is Thisanoteuthis rhombus Troschel, is a strong swimmer and occasionally jumps onto boats.
In this case, however, it was caughtby a new fishing method being introduced and tested in Anguilla by an Antigua-based trainer, now training personnel of the Department of Fisheries and Marine Resources and other fishermen. The trainees were out on an experimental fishing trip all day Tuesday when they made the uncommon catch.
The internet source states that the name is derived from the creature’s large, definitive diamond-shaped fin which extends along the entire length of the body. The so-called arms have two rows of suckers and wide protective webs.
The Diamondback Squid is found throughout tropical and sub-tropical waters worldwide. It is also found near the surface of the ocean, often in pairs or small schools.
