Paleoctopus newboldi
Phylum Mollusca, Class Cephalopoda, Order Octopoda
Geological Time: Middle Cretaceous, Cenomanian Stage (~95 million years ago)
Size: Fossil is 45 mm long on a 105 mm by 85 mm matrix
Fossil Site: Lebanese Lagerstätte, 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. The last two
photographs
(bottom row below) have enhanced contrast to bring out some features
that are somewhat faint; the second picture is a negative image.
The
darkest area is actually preserved ink which the octopus would have
used as a smokescreen to protect it from predators. |
