Meet the 19-metre octopus that prowled the seas 100 million years ago

Giant octopuses may have ruled the oceans 100 million years ago, according to fossil evidence.

‘Kraken-like’ giant octopuses 100m years ago crunched bones of prey

Study of fossilised beaks shows patterns of wear and suggests some ancient species were up to 19 metres long Giant “kraken-like” octopuses that used powerful beaks to crunch through bones of prey were among the most formidable predators of the Cretaceous oceans, according to research. Analysis of dozens of newly identified fossils reveals that some ancient octopus species reached up to 19 metres in length, meaning they would have rivalled – and possibly even preyed upon – apex predators such ...

By Hannah Devlin Science correspondent