Ancient octopus may have reached 19 meters in length

A new study led by a Japanese university has found that giant octopuses that lived between 100 million and 72 million years ago could reach a total length of up to 19 meters, making them one of the largest invertebrates in scientific history.

According to the research team, these creatures were likely apex predators in the ancient ocean, far exceeding the size of modern octopuses. The discovery is based on fossil and biological analyses, providing deeper insight into Cretaceous marine ecosystems.

Scientists hope the findings will help explain the evolution and adaptability of octopuses over millions of years. The study was published amid growing scientific interest in ancient invertebrates.