Squid Ink Sac Removal: Laboratory Dissection Procedure

1. Anesthetize/euthanize per institutional protocol.
2. Ventral midline incision from mantle opening to fin base.
3. Identify ink sac (silver-black, posterior to digestive gland).
4. Gently dissect free; ligate duct with 4-0 silk.
5. Excise sac intact; place in labeled vial (preserve in 70% EtOH or freeze).
6. Irrigate cavity with sterile saline.
7. Close mantle incision with continuous 3-0 absorbable suture.
8. Document weight, dimensions, gonad maturity.

Performed for biochemical analysis (melanin, polysaccharides, enzymes) or ecological studies. Not a culinary or clinical procedure.