The cuttlefish (or sepia) has been named Flemish 'Fish of the Year' by the Flemish Agro and Fish Marketing Centre, though it is really a cephalopod like squid and octopus. It is currently the most commonly landed fish-like species in our ports. “We often associate cuttlefish with southern cuisine, but it is caught in large numbers by our own fishermen,” says Hilde Crevits, Flemish Sea Fisheries Minister (Christian democrat CD&V).
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Cuttlefish named ‘Fish of the Year’, though not really a fish
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The Flemish fisheries sector hopes this award will help to raise the profile of a species that is still underappreciated.
The cuttlefish is a species of cephalopod with 10 arms, which it uses to swiftly seize its prey. Hidden beneath its mantle is an internal calcareous skeleton.
Cuttlefish are also true masters of camouflage: in the blink of an eye, they can adapt the colour, pattern and texture of their skin to their surroundings, for example to hide.
The species has a short life cycle (1 to 2 years) and can reproduce rapidly, meaning that populations naturally have a greater capacity to recover than others.
The cuttlefish is found across much of the Atlantic Ocean, from southern Norway to the waters off the coast of West Africa.
Where and in what numbers cuttlefish are found can vary considerably from year to year. This is mainly due to changes in seawater conditions. As a result of climate change, the species appears to be occurring in an increasing number of locations.
Economic importance
In 2024, landings rose by 25 per cent to 2,248 tonnes. This accounted for 19 per cent of total Belgian landings.
Within the landings of cephalopods (cuttlefish, squid and octopus), cuttlefish was by far the most important species, accounting for 79 per cent. This made cuttlefish the most commonly landed species in Flemish ports.
And in the kitchen?
Cuttlefish has a firm texture and a slightly nutty flavour. It is ideal for grilling, frying or using in stew.
Fresh cuttlefish, squid and octopus are (for the time being) used relatively rarely in our kitchens. Only 6.3 per cent of Belgians ever buy fresh cuttlefish, squid or octopus. Many are familiar with frozen calamari, which are imported from Asia.