Giant, Kraken-Like Octopuses Once Stalked Their Prey in Cretaceous Seas

New fossil analysis suggests some Late Cretaceous octopuses reached whale-like sizes and may have hunted as apex predators.

Researchers studied 27 octopus fossils, including digitally extracted specimens and museum material, and identified two finned species.

Beak comparisons indicate the larger species could have measured 7 to 19 meters long.

Jaw wear patterns suggest powerful, repeated crushing of prey and possible side-preference behavior.

The findings broaden understanding of octopus evolution and their role in ancient marine ecosystems alongside giant reptiles.