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Ancient Fossil Reclassified: Not the Oldest Octopus

4/10/2026

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Story summary
  • Pohlsepia mazonensis, a 300-million-year-old fossil once labeled the oldest octopus, is now classified as a nautilus relative.
  • Researchers from the University of Reading led by Thomas Clements used advanced imaging to study the fossil.
  • The radula with 11 teeth conflicts with octopus anatomy, prompting Guinness World Records to drop Pohlsepia mazonensis as the oldest octopus.
  • The Field Museum in Chicago houses the fossil and welcomed the reclassification for scientific research.