Midnight Squid
A deep-water squid with bioluminescent properties. Only surfaces during the Night Market.
Quick answer
Where to catch Midnight Squid in Stardew Valley
Catch Midnight Squid at Night Market during Winter from 5:00 PM - 2:00 AM in any weather. It sells for 100g at normal quality and 200g when smoked.
Night Market
Winter
5:00 PM - 2:00 AM, any weather
100g base, 200g iridium
Squid Ink; this pond does not normally produce Roe
Lead Bobber or Trap Bobber
Keep only if needed for bundles, gifts, cooking, or ponds
Price decision
Sell, smoke, or use a Fish Pond?
Change professions to compare the same fish without changing the page or URL.
Sell directly
100g
Normal quality
Smoke once
200g
+100g before Coal and machine time
One pond product
Squid Ink
This pond does not normally produce Roe.
Is Midnight Squid worth keeping?
Keep Midnight Squid if it fills a bundle, recipe, gift, Fish Pond, or collection goal.
When to sell or smoke it
Sell or smoke extra Midnight Squid when you need gold and do not have a specific use for it.
Fish Pond and Roe
Midnight Squid can be placed in a Fish Pond, but its normal pond product is Squid Ink, not Roe.
Fish Pond output depends on pond population and random daily production rolls. The exact max-population output table and first capacity quest are shown below.
Verified 1.6.15 pond rules
Midnight Squid Fish Pond output
Final daily chances at population 10; each value already includes the pond's 95% base output check and ordered item rolls.
Any item per day
92%
Maximum population
10
Population growth
Every 3 days
| Possible item | Quantity | Overall daily chance |
|---|---|---|
| Squid Ink | 1-2 | 92% |
Where & When to Find Midnight Squid
Location
- Night Market
Only available during the Winter Night Market submarine fishing (Winter 15-17).
Time & Conditions
Difficulty & Catching Strategy
Difficulty: 55
MediumModerate challenge
Sinker Behavior
Tends to drop toward the bottom of the bar. Will occasionally jump up.
Tip: Keep your bar low and be ready for sudden upward jumps.
Expert Tips for Midnight Squid
Easiest Night Market fish. Good for filling out your fishing collection during the event.
Recommended Tackle
Lead Bobber
Bar doesn't bounce
Best for: Sinker behavior fish
Trap Bobber
Slower catch bar drain
Best for: Difficult fish that move a lot
Tackle requires an Iridium Rod. Purchase from Willy's shop at Fishing Level 6.
Sell Prices by Quality
| Quality | Price |
|---|---|
| Normal | 100g |
| Silver | 125g |
| Gold | 150g |
| Iridium | 200g |
Smoked Fish Value
The Fish Smoker uses 1 Coal and doubles the fish sell price while preserving quality. Fisher or Angler changes the fish value first; Artisan then increases the smoked product.
| Input Quality | Fish Value | Smoked Value |
|---|---|---|
| Normal | 100g | 200g |
| Silver | 125g | 250g |
| Gold | 150g | 300g |
| Iridium | 200g | 400g |
Formula: fish sell price x 2. See the formula audit for source notes.
Uses for Midnight Squid
- Night Market exclusive
- Squid Ink
- Fish Pond
Did You Know?
Some real deep-sea squid can produce light through bioluminescence to attract prey.