Usual size
15–25 cm (mantle length)
Maximum
45 cm
Where
Harbours and breakwaters · Estuaries (rías) · Sand
When
Rough abundance from shore in each sea
Galicia and Cantabrian Sea
Gulf of Cádiz
Mediterranean and Balearics
Canary Islands
Spring (March–June), when it comes inshore to spawn in rías, harbours and weed beds.
Natural baits
- Small fish on a jig
Lures
- Egi 2.5–3.5 worked along the bottom
How to recognise it
Broad oval mantle fringed by a thin fin; it has an internal cuttlebone.
Tip
Work the egi close to the bottom with short jerks and pauses.
Minimum size and rules by area
Galicia
Asturias
No minimum size in this zone's rules. Neighbouring regions: 8 cm; release smaller fish.
Cantabria
Closed season: Closed season 15 May – 15 August.
Basque Country
No minimum size in this zone's rules. Neighbouring regions: 8 cm; release smaller fish.
Atlantic Andalusia
Mediterranean Andalusia
No minimum size in this zone's rules. Neighbouring regions: 12 cm; release smaller fish.
Ceuta
No minimum size in this zone's rules. Neighbouring regions: 12 cm; release smaller fish.
Melilla
No minimum size in this zone's rules. Neighbouring regions: 12 cm; release smaller fish.
Murcia
No minimum size in this zone's rules. Neighbouring regions: 12 cm; release smaller fish.
Valencia region
No minimum size in this zone's rules. Neighbouring regions: 12 cm; release smaller fish.
Catalonia
At most 15 per person per day.
Balearic Islands
Squid and cuttlefish: at most 10 per day combined.
Canary Islands
Fish are measured from the tip of the snout to the end of the tail; squid and cuttlefish by the mantle. If it is undersized, release it alive.
Official sources →