German paleontologists have identified a newly described ancient vampire squid species in the Luxembourg town of Bascharage. The discovery is detailed in a study published in the Swiss Journal of Paleontology (SJP).
Vampire squids, or vampiremorphs, form a unique lineage among cephalopods. They resemble squids but are more closely related to octopuses. Vampiremorphs are notable for their bioluminescent organs and long retractable filaments, features that set them apart from typical squid and octopus families.
Researchers determined the fossil’s age to be about 183 million years. The newly named species has been designated Simoniteuthis michaelyi.
The specimen is remarkably well preserved and complete, allowing detailed examination of delicate structures such as the eyes and surrounding muscle tissue. This level of preservation provides rare insights into the morphology and potential soft-tissue organization of ancient vampiremorphs.
Paleontologists attribute the exceptional preservation to a fortunate set of environmental conditions. The animal apparently inhabited low-oxygen bottom waters, where it drowned. The surrounding anoxic environment discouraged scavengers and microbial decay, helping to protect soft tissues and delicate features from rapid deterioration.
Earlier researchers had discussed naming this vampire squid in honor of US President Joe Biden, highlighting the ongoing interest in linking paleontological finds with contemporary figures or events. The final designation, Simoniteuthis michaelyi, reflects this ongoing discussion while anchoring the species to its Bascharage locality and the broader vampiremorph lineage.