Scientists have discovered two species of octopus that lived 100-72 million years in the past and will have been so long as the peak of a six-storey constructing.
| Photo Credit: Yohei Utsuki/Hokkaido University
Invertebrate Cretaceous ‘krakens’ have been apex predators
The earliest finned octopuses have been high predators that rivalled large marine reptiles. By analysing massive fossilised jaws, scientists have discovered two species — Nanaimoteuthis jeletzkyi and N. haggarti — that lived 100-72 million years in the past and will have been 7-19 m lengthy. Wear on the jaws indicated the octopuses typically crushed exhausting bones whereas uneven put on patterns prompt they have been already very smart. The findings overturn the concept historic meals chains have been topped by vertebrates alone.
Published – April 26, 2026 08:00 am IST
