Illex argentinus, commonly known as the Argentine shortfin squid, is a species of squid in the family Ommastrephidae from the south western Atlantic Ocean. It is one of the most commercially fished species of squid, with 511,087 tons harvested in 2002, or 23.3% of the entire squid harvest. I. argentinus is most prevalent along the coasts of South America, in Argentina, Brazil and in the Falkland Islands (Malvinas) in the Patagonian shelf. Some of the largest fisheries in the world are along these coasts, capturing millions of pounds of these shortfin squid a year. Although they are relatively small species, they tend to form shoals, making them easy to be caught by fisheries.

Physical features The Argentine shortfin squid has a relatively strong mantle and fins. Its arms are long, with male arms significantly longer than female arms.

Habitat Argentine shortfin squid can live in a variety of depths, ranging from the surface all the way to 800 m. Although the Argentine shortfin squid has a wide geographic distribution, it is an oceanic species, as they aggregate on the sea floor. They feed on other species of squid, pelagic crustaceans and crabs, shrimp, and other small fish.