apex predators

Giant Ancient Octopuses Discovered in Japan Fossils Rivaled Apex Predators

Researchers have discovered fossilized remains of two giant octopus species from the late Cretaceous period (100 million years ago) in northern Japan. Using innovative digital fossil-mining techniques with AI, they found jaws inside concretions that indicate the creatures reached up to 60 feet in length — larger than a school bus and rivaling other apex predators of the era. These ancient octopuses likely fed on hard-shelled prey like shrimp and lobster, and showed signs of right-side jaw dominance suggesting early brain development.