Paleoctopus newboldi
Phylum Mollusca, Class Cephalopoda, Order Octopoda
Geologic Time: Middle Cretaceous, Cenomanian Stage (~95 million years ago)
Size: 85 mm long and 27 mm across tentacles
Fossil Site: Lebanese Lagerstatt, Haqel, Lebanon
 Description:
Here is a most unusual fossil from the Cretaceous of Lebanon; a very
detailed octopus. Given the fact that there are no hard parts to preserve
to speak of, the detail here is amazing, and testiment to the exceptional
preservation often found in the Lebanese Lagerstatt. The last photo
has been enhanced to bring out some features which are somewhat faint.
The darkest area is actually preserved ink which the octopus would
have used as a smokescreen to protect it from predators. |
