calamari vs. cuttlefish

[benzeenees]

That is the species known as the giant cuttlefish. Only found around Australia. They grow to about 60cm long and 5kg. They die after spawning and I often see dead ones floating at sea during the winter. Seagulls and snapper feast on them. Most years I catch one or two while fishing. I cut the flesh thinly like calamari and it is indistinguishable from calamari. Its supposed to be great fish bait but I find fish only go for the tentacles (especially the candles) and won't touch the flesh from the mantle. Perhaps they only like it rotten!