【Reading】あおりいか

【English Name】Bigfin reef squid

The aoriika (bigfin reef squid) is a large squid belonging to the family Loliginidae, given the kanji 障泥烏賊. The name arose because its broad fin shape resembles a type of horse tackle called "aori" (mud guard).

The mantle length is standardly about 40-45 cm, and large individuals exceed 50 cm and can reach 6 kg in weight. The appearance, with semi-elliptical fins spreading on both sides of the mantle, recalls the cuttlefish (kouika), but a major difference from the cuttlefish is that it contains a thin, translucent gladius (soft shell). The body itself is also somewhat rounded, giving an overall plump impression.

Its range extends across the temperate to tropical Indian Ocean and western Pacific, and in Japan it is distributed throughout the coastal areas south of Hokkaido. It has the habit of moving to shallow waters during the spawning season, which is why spring to summer is the main fishing season. It is also a nocturnal creature that feeds actively at night.

The points rated as a sushi topping are its firm, satisfying texture and the natural sweetness the material possesses. Because it is rich in amino acids such as glutamic acid and alanine, a deep umami is produced. As the domestic catch is small and supply limited, it is often handled at ryotei and high-end kappo restaurants. The bulk of what appears at market is imported from Southeast Asia, also used in a wide range of dishes such as sashimi and tempura.