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Scientists discover giant ‘kraken-like’ octopus existed millions of years ago
But thanks to new technologies, researchers are gaining insight into animals like the octopus that left fewer traces behind
Author of the article
enette Wilford
Published Apr 24, 2026 • Last updated 1 day ago • 2 minute read
This illustration provided by researchers in April 2026 depicts a giant octopus that may have been a top marine predator millions of years ago.
This illustration provided by researchers in April 2026 depicts a giant octopus that may have been a top marine predator millions of years ago. Photo by Yohei Utsuki /AP
A kraken-like octopus that could grow to more than 18 metres long may have been one of the fiercest predators in the oceans, according to scientists.
New research out of Japan’s Hokkaido University is challenging the notion that octopuses were not among the main marine predators during the Late Cretaceous period, when Tyrannosaurus rex and Giganotosaurus roamed and ruled the planet.
The scientists studied dozens of jaw fossils of ancient octopus relatives, and found that two now-extinct species — Nanaimoteuthis jeletzkyi and N. haggarti — reached lengths between seven and 19 metres, rivalling other giant marine reptiles of the time.
Why have the octopus been overlooked?
“Some of the earliest octopuses were much larger than we had imagined,” Yasuhiro Iba, a professor at Hokkaido University and co-author of the study, told the Washington Post.
“Invertebrates — especially soft-bodied animals like octopuses — have remained largely invisible in the fossil record, and their ecological roles have been poorly understood.”
That’s because soft-bodied animals rarely fossilize, resulting in paleontologists historically focusing on organisms with hard skeletons or shells.
But thanks to new technologies, researchers are gaining insight into animals like the octopus that left fewer traces behind.
“In that sense, we are just beginning to see parts of ancient ecosystems that were previously almost invisible,” Iba said.
Size isn’t the only thing that matters
And what they found in the recent octopus discovery was so much more than just their colossal size.
“The novelty of our study is not simply that ‘large octopuses existed,” Iba noted. “Rather, by analyzing the intense wear preserved on their jaws, the research team was able to demonstrate that these octopuses were capable of processing hard prey such as shells and bones, and may have reached a similar ecological level to large vertebrate apex predators in the Cretaceous ocean.”
The evidence of chipping, scratching, cracking and polishing on the jaws “indicates repeated, forceful interactions with their prey, revealing an unexpectedly aggressive feeding strategy,” Iba added in a news release.
The massive mollusks may have eaten large aquatic reptiles like mosasaurs and plesiosaurs, two species which were believed to be the main marine predators of the period.
Instead, the octopus’s beaks and jaws, in addition to their powerful arms, which allowed them to grab prey more easily, may have made them formidable rulers of the oceans.
In comparison, the largest octopus alive today is the giant Pacific octopus, which typically measures at just under five metres in size, according to National Geographic.
While it has been known to eat larger animals like sharks and birds, its typical diet consists of shrimp, clams, lobster and fish.
The fossils were discovered in Japan and Vancouver Island, according to the release, with the team using grinding tomography, a 3D imaging technique, along with an artificial intelligence model, to carry out the research.
nationalgeographic.com
torontosun.com
But thanks to new technologies, researchers are gaining insight into animals like the octopus that left fewer traces behind
Author of the article
enette WilfordPublished Apr 24, 2026 • Last updated 1 day ago • 2 minute read
This illustration provided by researchers in April 2026 depicts a giant octopus that may have been a top marine predator millions of years ago.
This illustration provided by researchers in April 2026 depicts a giant octopus that may have been a top marine predator millions of years ago. Photo by Yohei Utsuki /AP
A kraken-like octopus that could grow to more than 18 metres long may have been one of the fiercest predators in the oceans, according to scientists.
New research out of Japan’s Hokkaido University is challenging the notion that octopuses were not among the main marine predators during the Late Cretaceous period, when Tyrannosaurus rex and Giganotosaurus roamed and ruled the planet.
The scientists studied dozens of jaw fossils of ancient octopus relatives, and found that two now-extinct species — Nanaimoteuthis jeletzkyi and N. haggarti — reached lengths between seven and 19 metres, rivalling other giant marine reptiles of the time.
Why have the octopus been overlooked?
“Some of the earliest octopuses were much larger than we had imagined,” Yasuhiro Iba, a professor at Hokkaido University and co-author of the study, told the Washington Post.
“Invertebrates — especially soft-bodied animals like octopuses — have remained largely invisible in the fossil record, and their ecological roles have been poorly understood.”
That’s because soft-bodied animals rarely fossilize, resulting in paleontologists historically focusing on organisms with hard skeletons or shells.
But thanks to new technologies, researchers are gaining insight into animals like the octopus that left fewer traces behind.
“In that sense, we are just beginning to see parts of ancient ecosystems that were previously almost invisible,” Iba said.
Size isn’t the only thing that matters
And what they found in the recent octopus discovery was so much more than just their colossal size.
“The novelty of our study is not simply that ‘large octopuses existed,” Iba noted. “Rather, by analyzing the intense wear preserved on their jaws, the research team was able to demonstrate that these octopuses were capable of processing hard prey such as shells and bones, and may have reached a similar ecological level to large vertebrate apex predators in the Cretaceous ocean.”
The evidence of chipping, scratching, cracking and polishing on the jaws “indicates repeated, forceful interactions with their prey, revealing an unexpectedly aggressive feeding strategy,” Iba added in a news release.
The massive mollusks may have eaten large aquatic reptiles like mosasaurs and plesiosaurs, two species which were believed to be the main marine predators of the period.
Instead, the octopus’s beaks and jaws, in addition to their powerful arms, which allowed them to grab prey more easily, may have made them formidable rulers of the oceans.
In comparison, the largest octopus alive today is the giant Pacific octopus, which typically measures at just under five metres in size, according to National Geographic.
While it has been known to eat larger animals like sharks and birds, its typical diet consists of shrimp, clams, lobster and fish.
The fossils were discovered in Japan and Vancouver Island, according to the release, with the team using grinding tomography, a 3D imaging technique, along with an artificial intelligence model, to carry out the research.
Giant Pacific Octopus | National Geographic
Meet the world's largest octopus, which can tip the scales at over 600 pounds. Hear about the amazing feats of these highly intelligent animals.
nationalgeographic.com
Scientists discover giant ‘kraken-like’ octopus existed millions of years ago
A kraken-like octopus that could grow to more than 18 metres long may have been one of the fiercest predators in the oceans. Read on.
Canada marks vaccination week amid 'sobering' return of measles
For the first time in 24 years, the Pan-American Health Organization (PAHO) came to Ottawa to launch vaccination week in the Americas — a nod to Canada’s recent loss of measles elimination status
Author of the article:Elizabeth Payne
Published Apr 27, 2026 • 3 minute read
Federal Health Minister Marjorie Michel, seen in a February 2026 file photo, called the loss of measles elimination status sobering. “It is a difficult wake-up call because in Canada we believe in science and we value our scientists," she said. "But we need to take action, including building trust in vaccine through community engagement.”
Federal Health Minister Marjorie Michel, seen in a February 2026 file photo, called the loss of measles elimination status sobering. “It is a difficult wake-up call because in Canada we believe in science and we value our scientists," she said. "But we need to take action, including building trust in vaccine through community engagement.” Photo by Blair Gable /Postmedia
Five months after Canada lost its measles-free status, the annual week devoted to vaccination awareness is taking on a new significance.
For the first time in 24 years, the Pan-American Health Organization (PAHO) came to Ottawa to launch vaccination week in the Americas — a nod to Canada’s recent loss of measles elimination status and a chance to reaffirm the importance of keeping vaccination rates high. The event, hosted by CHEO president and CEO Dr. Vera Etches, was held Monday, April 27, at Library and Archives Canada and livestreamed around the Americas.
PAHO, which serves as the World Health Organization’s regional office for the Americas, revoked Canada’s measles-free status last November after a year-long outbreak resulted in more than 5,000 cases of the highly infectious disease. So far in 2026, there have been 871 cases across the country.
The measles vaccine is highly effective, but, because the disease is so contagious, 95 per cent of the population must be immunized to prevent outbreaks. Vaccination rates have steadily declined in Canada in recent years and remain below the threshold — in part due to disruptions caused by the pandemic as well as the rise of misinformation and poor access to primary care.
As of the end of 2024, just over 80 per cent of two-year-olds in Canada were adequately vaccinated against measles, mumps and rubella, according to Health Canada.
Federal Health Minister Marjorie Michel, speaking at the event, called the loss of measles elimination status sobering.
“It is a difficult wake-up call because in Canada we believe in science and we value our scientists. But we need to take action, including building trust in vaccine through community engagement.”
She said the federal government is working with provinces and territories, as well as agencies, to better understand the barriers to higher immunization rates in order to regain measles elimination status and increase vaccination rates.
Dr. Anne Pham-Huy
Dr. Anne Pham-Huy, chair of Immunize Canada and a pediatric infectious disease physician at CHEO, is optimistic Canada can regain its measles elimination status, “but it is not going to be easy”. Photo by CHEO /Handout
“Together we are going to make sure that our children are going to receive all the vaccines that they need to protect themselves from diseases. Canada is firmly committed to advancing vaccination as a cornerstone of public health, both internationally and domestically.”
Canada’s newly appointed chief public health officer, Dr. Joss Reimer, called measles elimination a “deeply personal topic for me”.
She grew up in Winkler, Man., which currently has one of the highest rates of measles in the country and, at one point, had the highest rate of measles in the Americas.
Reimer noted that the majority of recent cases in Canada have been in highly connected, under-vaccinated communities, including Winkler.
“This moment is very important for us,” she said. “This is a stark reminder of our continued vulnerability to disease.”
PAHO provided recommendations in order to help Canada regain measles elimination status. Those include strengthening monitoring and data sharing, combatting misinformation and addressing immunity gaps.
Health Canada says it is strengthening approaches that target under-vaccinated and vaccine-hesitant populations.
Canada’s lack of a comprehensive national immunization registry has been criticized by health experts and others as a critical public health gap that creates a barrier to understanding vaccination coverage and trends.
Dr. Anne Pham-Huy, chair of Immunize Canada and a pediatric infectious disease physician at CHEO, said a national registry would make it easier to increase vaccination rates by making it easier to know where the potential pockets of underimmunization are.
She said she is optimistic Canada can regain its measles elimination status, “but it is not going to be easy and it definitely will require collaboration.
“In 2026, we are being reminded that progress in public health can never be taken for granted,” she said. “The recent loss of measles elimination status in Canada shows how quickly vaccine-preventable diseases can return when vaccination rates fall and misinformation spreads.”
torontosun.com
For the first time in 24 years, the Pan-American Health Organization (PAHO) came to Ottawa to launch vaccination week in the Americas — a nod to Canada’s recent loss of measles elimination status
Author of the article:Elizabeth Payne
Published Apr 27, 2026 • 3 minute read
Federal Health Minister Marjorie Michel, seen in a February 2026 file photo, called the loss of measles elimination status sobering. “It is a difficult wake-up call because in Canada we believe in science and we value our scientists," she said. "But we need to take action, including building trust in vaccine through community engagement.”
Federal Health Minister Marjorie Michel, seen in a February 2026 file photo, called the loss of measles elimination status sobering. “It is a difficult wake-up call because in Canada we believe in science and we value our scientists," she said. "But we need to take action, including building trust in vaccine through community engagement.” Photo by Blair Gable /Postmedia
Five months after Canada lost its measles-free status, the annual week devoted to vaccination awareness is taking on a new significance.
For the first time in 24 years, the Pan-American Health Organization (PAHO) came to Ottawa to launch vaccination week in the Americas — a nod to Canada’s recent loss of measles elimination status and a chance to reaffirm the importance of keeping vaccination rates high. The event, hosted by CHEO president and CEO Dr. Vera Etches, was held Monday, April 27, at Library and Archives Canada and livestreamed around the Americas.
PAHO, which serves as the World Health Organization’s regional office for the Americas, revoked Canada’s measles-free status last November after a year-long outbreak resulted in more than 5,000 cases of the highly infectious disease. So far in 2026, there have been 871 cases across the country.
The measles vaccine is highly effective, but, because the disease is so contagious, 95 per cent of the population must be immunized to prevent outbreaks. Vaccination rates have steadily declined in Canada in recent years and remain below the threshold — in part due to disruptions caused by the pandemic as well as the rise of misinformation and poor access to primary care.
As of the end of 2024, just over 80 per cent of two-year-olds in Canada were adequately vaccinated against measles, mumps and rubella, according to Health Canada.
Federal Health Minister Marjorie Michel, speaking at the event, called the loss of measles elimination status sobering.
“It is a difficult wake-up call because in Canada we believe in science and we value our scientists. But we need to take action, including building trust in vaccine through community engagement.”
She said the federal government is working with provinces and territories, as well as agencies, to better understand the barriers to higher immunization rates in order to regain measles elimination status and increase vaccination rates.
Dr. Anne Pham-Huy
Dr. Anne Pham-Huy, chair of Immunize Canada and a pediatric infectious disease physician at CHEO, is optimistic Canada can regain its measles elimination status, “but it is not going to be easy”. Photo by CHEO /Handout
“Together we are going to make sure that our children are going to receive all the vaccines that they need to protect themselves from diseases. Canada is firmly committed to advancing vaccination as a cornerstone of public health, both internationally and domestically.”
Canada’s newly appointed chief public health officer, Dr. Joss Reimer, called measles elimination a “deeply personal topic for me”.
She grew up in Winkler, Man., which currently has one of the highest rates of measles in the country and, at one point, had the highest rate of measles in the Americas.
Reimer noted that the majority of recent cases in Canada have been in highly connected, under-vaccinated communities, including Winkler.
“This moment is very important for us,” she said. “This is a stark reminder of our continued vulnerability to disease.”
PAHO provided recommendations in order to help Canada regain measles elimination status. Those include strengthening monitoring and data sharing, combatting misinformation and addressing immunity gaps.
Health Canada says it is strengthening approaches that target under-vaccinated and vaccine-hesitant populations.
Canada’s lack of a comprehensive national immunization registry has been criticized by health experts and others as a critical public health gap that creates a barrier to understanding vaccination coverage and trends.
Dr. Anne Pham-Huy, chair of Immunize Canada and a pediatric infectious disease physician at CHEO, said a national registry would make it easier to increase vaccination rates by making it easier to know where the potential pockets of underimmunization are.
She said she is optimistic Canada can regain its measles elimination status, “but it is not going to be easy and it definitely will require collaboration.
“In 2026, we are being reminded that progress in public health can never be taken for granted,” she said. “The recent loss of measles elimination status in Canada shows how quickly vaccine-preventable diseases can return when vaccination rates fall and misinformation spreads.”
Canada marks vaccination week amid 'sobering' return of measles
For the first time in 24 years, the Pan-American Health Organization (PAHO) came to Ottawa to launch vaccination week in the Americas — a nod to Canada’s recent loss of measles elimination status
Who is paying the scientists? And why? Perhaps more importantly, why are they hiding the research on Covid vaccines?