Thursday, June 12, 2014

CLUBHOOK SQUID (Onykia robusta) WASHES UP ON ALKI BEACH

A seven foot Clubhook Squid (Onykia robusta) washed up on Alki Beach on 6-12-14.  The Clubhook Squid is one of the largest in the Pacific and commonly reaches mantle lengths of 150cm.  It is distinguished by two rows of hooks on the clubs at the end of the long capture tentacles. Sadly the clubs at the end of 2 long tentacles were missing.   The other eight tentacles suckers have a lining that is a smooth circle with no "teeth" as are found on the Humboldt Squid.  This species washes ashore only occasionally in Puget Sound.  Very little is know of its life history.
Check out this link for more information:  http://www.thecephalopodpage.org/Mrobusta.php
Also:    http://www.asnailsodyssey.com/LEARNABOUT/OCTOPUS/octoSqui.php

Clubhook Squid

Clubhook Squid

Clubhook Squid

Tentacle at top is Club tentacle missing the club end

Clubhook Squid

Suckers on non-club tentacle

Beak - removed from mouth
Clubhook Squid hooks on club tentacle ( Dr. William Hanshumaker)

Sucker from non-club tentacle with smooth circular ring -no teeth
A more intact Clubhook Squid ( Dr. William Hanshumaker)