The Homboldt Squid were first discovered deeper than a thousand feet in 1997 by submersible cameras. There were only sporatic sightings throughout the years, until this week. As of last Friday, fishermen off the California coast have been catching their limit of these Jumbo Squid also known as Diablo Rojo (Red Devils).
The squid are normally found in depths of 660 to 2300 feet in the Humboldt Current area of South America. Some researchers attribute their new presence to changes in populations of both predators and prey. The drop in Pacific Hake population, a species of whitefish is affecting their normal food source and forcing them into shallower water. Overfishing of sharks, large tuna and swordfish allows the Jumbo Squid to hunt more easily.
These Jumbo Squid have a life span of just one year, but can reach as much as 100lbs. and up to 6 feet in length. They hunt in schools of 1200 or more and can swim at speeds up to 15mph. It will be interesting to track their activity now that they have "made contact" with humans. There is no way of knowing how long they will be around, but with so many anglers out trying to catch them, probably not very long.
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