Frozen whole Patagonian squid
Illex argentinus
Frozen whole Patagonian squid (Illex argentinus), graded by grams per piece from 100/150 to 300+. A versatile, high-yield raw material for processors, distributors and foodservice buyers who work squid from whole.
- Presentation
- Whole · 100/150 to 300+
- State
- Frozen
Illex argentinus: the South Atlantic squid
Patagonian squid, known in the trade as Illex or Argentine shortfin squid, lives in the cool temperate waters of the Southwest Atlantic, over the continental shelf of Argentina, Uruguay and the Falkland Islands. It is a short-lived, fast-growing species and one of the key references in the international cephalopod trade.
Its mantle is white, firm and slightly thicker than that of Loligo squid, which gives it a high yield both cleaned and cut. That is why it is a standard raw material for processors making tubes, rings, strips or ready meals, and for distributors selling it whole to professional kitchens.
Sizes and presentation of whole Illex squid
We supply whole, uncleaned Patagonian squid in sizes from 100/150 to 300+. For this species, size is usually expressed in grams per piece: 100/150 means pieces between 100 and 150 grams, and 300+ means pieces over 300 grams.
Smaller sizes suit frying and tapas portions; larger ones are better for industrial cutting, stuffing and rings. Packing, glazing and lot composition are tailored to each customer's specification, so tell us what your market needs and we will prepare an offer. If you prefer a ready-to-use product, see our cleaned squid tubes.
Why buy frozen squid from a wholesaler
The Illex fishing season is concentrated in a few months of the year. Frozen product makes it available all year round, with consistent sizing and stable quality, which is hard to achieve with fresh squid.
At Tunatunes our entire range is frozen and the cold chain is controlled from start to finish. From Vigo, Spain, we serve professional buyers in more than 15 countries: distributors, retail chains, processors, importers and foodservice. Explore the rest of the range on our frozen squid page.
Uses of whole Patagonian squid
- Industrial processing into tubes, rings and strips
- Stuffed squid and slow-cooked stews
- Battered or floured fried squid
- Griddled or grilled, whole or in strips
- Rice dishes, paella and stir-fries
- Ready meals and prepared frozen products
Frequently asked questions
What does size 100/150 mean for Illex squid?
For Illex, size usually refers to grams per piece. A 100/150 size groups squid weighing 100 to 150 grams each; 300+ means pieces over 300 grams. We confirm the grading basis in every offer.
How does Illex differ from Loligo squid?
Illex has slightly thicker, firmer flesh and a more competitive price, and performs very well in cutting and industrial processing. Loligo, like our cleaned baby squid, is finer and more tender. Each suits different uses.
How is the whole Patagonian squid packed?
Packing and glazing are tailored to each customer and market. Tell us the format you need using the form on this page or our contact page and we will send you a proposal.
How should frozen whole squid be thawed?
Thaw it in a cold room or refrigerator at 0–4 °C, in a container that lets the water drain away. Once thawed, clean and cook it as soon as possible and do not refreeze it.
Do you sell fresh Patagonian squid?
No. Our entire range is frozen, which ensures year-round availability and consistent quality between lots, with the cold chain controlled at every stage.
More frozen cephalopods
Need frozen whole Patagonian squid for your business? We will prepare an offer with the size, format and volume you work with.
Request a quote
