Sumi-ika or Ko-ika, Golden Cuttlefish

Resembling aori-ika, this squid has thicker flesh and a different body structure. The central bone is large and white like aori-ika’s but rigidly calcified in the squid’s plump, round body. To remove the bone, make a long, straight cut from the top to the bottom of the body. Hold the squid with its head and tentacles up, and push down the body until the bone slips out.

The shell-like bone is the source of the name ko-ika, “shell squid.” The cuttlefish’s other name, sumi-ika, “charcoal squid,” refers to the copious black ink that this creature squirts for defense and camouflage.