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Giant Pacific octopus. Credit: Azchael<\/a> \/ Flickr<\/a> \/ CC BY-NC 2.0<\/a><\/p>\n Ancient oceans were dominated by powerful predators, but new evidence suggests a giant octopus may have rivaled them at the top of the food chain. Marine reptiles like mosasaurs once ruled these waters, yet researchers now point to another formidable hunter lurking in the deep.<\/p>\n Scientists have identified a species called Nanaimoteuthis haggarti, described as a 60-foot \u201ckraken\u201d of the Cretaceous seas. The study, published in Science, suggests this animal<\/a> could reach about 60 feet (18 meters) in length, making it one of the largest invertebrates ever known.<\/p>\n Beaks reveal the scale of ancient octopuses<\/p>\n The findings rely on fossilized beaks, one of the few parts of octopuses that can survive for millions of years. Unlike soft tissues, these hard structures preserve well and offer clues about the animal\u2019s size.<\/p>\n Researchers used the relationship between beak size and body size in modern species to estimate the scale of N. haggarti. The results suggest it was significantly larger than today\u2019s giant squids.<\/p>\n \u201cIt challenges the common view of an \u2018age of vertebrates\u2019 in marine ecosystems,\u201d said Yasuhiro Iba of Hokkaido University, a co-author of the study.<\/p>\n Artificial intelligence uncovers hidden fossils<\/p>\n To support their findings, Iba and his team analyzed 15 well-preserved beak fossils from Late Cretaceous deposits in Japan and on Vancouver Island. They also used artificial intelligence to scan sediment samples and detect hidden fossils inside rocks.<\/p>\n The method, called digital fossil mining, allowed researchers to identify 12 additional beaks. Several belonged to very large individuals, strengthening evidence for giant cephalopods.<\/p>\n \u201cUsing this approach, we were able to discover fossil jaws that would have been nearly impossible to find using conventional techniques,\u201d Iba said.<\/p>\n Finned octopus relatives reached extreme sizes<\/p>\n Further analysis linked the fossils to species within the genus Nanaimoteuthis. Scientists now place these animals within Cirrata, a group of deep-sea octopuses<\/a> with small fins and webbed arms.<\/p>\n The fossilized lower jaw of an adult Nanaimoteuthis haggarti. The largest beak found by the researchers was 1.5 times as large as those of today’s giant squids. pic.twitter.com\/YP7fvGNbtt<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Tom Marvolo Riddle (@tom_riddle2025) April 28, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n The discovery suggests that these finned octopuses once reached far larger sizes than their modern relatives. A related species, Nanaimoteuthis jeletzkyi, likely grew to about 26 feet (8 meters) in length. Its fossils extend the known history of octopuses by millions of years.<\/p>\n Evidence points to powerful feeding behavior<\/p>\n The fossilized beaks show clear signs of wear. Researchers observed chipping, scratching, and rounded edges, indicating repeated crushing bites. Some beaks had lost up to 10% of their length.<\/p>\n Scientists interpret this damage as evidence that these animals fed on hard or resistant prey. Their strong beaks likely allowed them to break apart tough shells and possibly even bone.<\/p>\n Scientists urge caution on size estimates<\/p>\n Some experts remain cautious about the largest size estimates. Christian Klug of the Natural History Museum at the University of Z\u00fcrich said the proposed length of 60 feet is \u201cquite extreme.\u201d<\/p>\n He noted that conclusions rely on limited fossil evidence. \u201cOf course, we have only the jaws, so there is some uncertainty,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n Adiel Klompmaker of the University of Alabama Museums said more data is needed to confirm what these animals ate and how they lived.<\/p>\n Deep oceans may hold more secrets<\/p>\n Most of the fossils were found in shallow marine deposits. Scientists say this raises questions about what may have lived in deeper parts of the ocean<\/a> during the Cretaceous.<\/p>\n Researchers believe further discoveries could reshape the understanding of ancient marine ecosystems. The study<\/a> highlights how much remains unknown about life in Earth\u2019s prehistoric seas.<\/p>\n