Courtesy/Allysa Casteel/Seaside Aquarium

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An rare robust clubhook squid was discovered near one of Oregon's most popular beaches last week, marking the first time the species has been spotted in the Pacific Northwest in recent memory, according to aquarium officials.

The squid, measuring 10 feet in length and weighing 90 pounds, was found July 28 at Silver Point, just south of Cannon Beach, according to a Facebook post from the Seaside Aquarium.

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Yesterday we were given a unique opportunity to examine and dissect a 10 foot robust clubhook squid (Onykia robusta). ... Posted by Seaside Aquarium on Saturday, July 28, 2018

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"It's the first I've ever seen," Seaside Aquarium manager Keith Chandler

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Little is known about the reclusive species. They are native to the North Pacific, but are thought to prefer warmer waters of coastal California or Japan. The biggest of the species can grow up to 12 feet long, the third largest species of squid after the giant and colossal varieties and they are thought to be an important prey species for sperm whales.

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Courtesy/Allysa Casteel/Seaside Aquarium

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The robust clubhook squid gets its name from the hooks it has, up to 18 per, on each of its tentacles.

The creature discovered last week had a mantle, the large body section, about 4 feet in length, with two tentacles and eight arms, each equipped with more than 50 suckers. It was unclear how it died, but squid often die after laying eggs, which the aquarium said may have been the case here.

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Courtesy/Allysa Casteel/Seaside Aquarium

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"We suspect that this squid was a spawned out female. Squids, like octopuses, die shortly after laying eggs," the aquarium said.

It appeared the animal had been dead for some time and had been worked over by scavengers, according to the aquarium, but it was still in decent shape and the discovery was an opportunity for researchers given how few of the creatures have been examined.

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Courtesy/Allysa Casteel/Seaside Aquarium

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"Little is know about the life history of these amazing giants, so we were very excited to be able to get a closer look," the aquarium said.

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Courtesy/Allysa Casteel/Seaside Aquarium

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-- Kale Williams

kwilliams@oregonian.com

503-294-4048