They are small squid which can be found in the epipelagic to mesopelagic zones while some species are found in water with shallow substrates on steep slopes on the boundary of the mesopelagic zone.

They are distinguished from other members of the Enoploteuthidae by not normally having large, black photophores at the tips of arms IV, although if these are present they are not covered in black chromatophores,[2] and having fins which extend beyond their tail.

The complex photophores will frequently appear to be blue depending on their physiological state.

[2] Abralia is the most speciose genus in the Enoploteuthidae[2] and is normally divided in to six subgenera, however, recent studies suggest that these may not form natural groupings.

These quid are important prey species for large fish such as tuna and billfish as well as toothed whales.