German paleontologists have discovered a new species of ancient vampire squid in the Luxembourg commune of Bascharage. The study was published in the scientific journal magazine Swiss Journal of Paleontology (SJP).
Vampire squids or vampiremorphs are a type of cephalopods. They look like squids, but they’re actually closer to octopuses. Vampiromorphs are known for their bioluminescent organs and long retractable filaments, which distinguish them from other squids and octopuses.
Scientists determined that the age of the find is 183 million years. The open species was named Simoniteuthis michaelyi.
The researchers found that the fossil was in excellent condition and was a complete specimen that could be examined in detail, including the structures of the eyeballs and muscle tissue.
Paleontologists believe that the extraordinary degree of preservation of this squid is due to a unique combination of circumstances – the mollusk swam in poorly oxygenated bottom waters and drowned there. His body was not touched by other creatures because the living environment was not suitable.
Previous scientists in the name A new species of vampire squid in honor of US President Joe Biden.