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Average anterior mantle length for jig caught squid 15-35 cm; weight range 100-1200 gms; maximum size 1800 gms. Mature females grow 3-4 cms longer and 200-300 gms heavier than males. Notodarus sloanii occurs off the east coast of the South Island and the Southern Plateau, Notodarus gouldi is found in warmer waters off the west coast of New Zealand and east coast of the North Island. Both species found at depths of 50 m to 300 m: more abundant at edge of continental shelf, 150-200 m, but are frequently found close to shore. Caught by jigging and trawling. Main season December-May. Very large resouse, one of New Zealand,s largest, and probably capable of yielding 80,000-100,000 tonnes, but subject to considerable annual variation.

Average weight 0.5-1.5 kg. Colour varies white to purple; thinner body wall than arrow squid. Found off the west coast of New Zealand from Nelson northwards and off the east coast of northern half of the North Island.