giant octopus

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4/24/2026AI summary

Prehistoric Giant Octopus Fossil Discovery Reveals 'Real Cretaceous Kraken'

Researchers have identified fossils of a giant prehistoric octopus, Nanaimoteuthis haggarti, that lived during the Cretaceous period 86-72 million years ago. The species reached 7-19m in length, making it one of the largest invertebrates ever recorded. Found in Japan and Vancouver Island, the fossils show wear on the creature's beak indicating it hunted large prey, supporting comparisons to the mythical kraken.

Sky News Tech

Researchers identify giant Cretaceous octopus as 'real-life kraken'

Science

4/24/2026AI summary

Researchers identify giant Cretaceous octopus as 'real-life kraken'

Palaeontologists have identified a massive octopus species, Nanaimoteuthis haggarti, which lived during the Cretaceous period. Reaching up to 19m in length, the apex predator likely competed with sharks and marine reptiles before going extinct 66 million years ago.

Sky News Tech

Giant Octopus Fossils Reveal Ancient Kraken-Like Predators Dominated Oceans

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Science·4/24/2026AI summary

Giant Octopus Fossils Reveal Ancient Kraken-Like Predators Dominated Oceans

Scientists have identified ancient octopus fossils belonging to genus Nanaimoteuthis, particularly Nanaimoteuthis haggarti, which may have grown up to 19 meters (62 feet) long—longer than a bus and possibly the largest invertebrate ever recorded. Analysis of 27 fossilized beaks reveals these creatures were apex predators in Cretaceous oceans, using intelligence and crushing bite force to dominate marine ecosystems alongside mosasaurs and plesiosaurs.

Times of India

Giant Octopuses May Have Ruled Ancient Oceans 100 Million Years Ago

Science

4/24/2026AI summary

Giant Octopuses May Have Ruled Ancient Oceans 100 Million Years Ago

Scientists from Hokkaido University have analysed fossil jaws suggesting giant octopuses up to 19 metres long ruled ancient oceans 100 million years ago. The research challenges the long-held view that vertebrates like fish and reptiles were the largest ocean predators, indicating these cephalopods were powerful predators with strong arms and beak-like jaws capable of chewing shells and bones.

BBC News

Giant Ancient Octopuses May Have Been Top Ocean Predators 100 Million Years Ago

Science

4/23/2026AI summary

Giant Ancient Octopuses May Have Been Top Ocean Predators 100 Million Years Ago

Researchers from Hokkaido University in Japan have analyzed exceptionally preserved fossil jaws from 100 million-year-old octopuses, estimating body lengths of 1.5-4.5 metres and total lengths including arms of 7-19 metres. The findings challenge the long-held belief that ancient ocean predators were exclusively vertebrates, suggesting giant cephalopods were powerful predators capable of consuming hard-shelled prey.

BBC News