Recent research has uncovered an interesting species of vampiromorph that lived in the oceans 165 million years ago. This species differs from those known in the fossil record in terms of functional features, including defense mechanisms, and shares features in common with modern vampire squid.

Researchers from France used modern imaging techniques to analyze known vampiromorph fossils. This group of animals, most of which are now extinct, is similar to octopuses and includes the modern deep-sea vampire squid (Vampyroteuthis infernalis).

The new discovery tells us about a spherical creature with suction cups, eight arms and glowing organs. A similar body is found in modern vampire squid. This creature, which scientists call Vampyrofugiens atramentum, may have lived in the oceans of the Jurassic period.

One of the most interesting discoveries is that V. atramentum probably caught live prey with its hands. It also had special defensive features, including organs that glow in the dark.

The study highlights the importance of innovation in the animal kingdom. The team of scientists used high-resolution X-rays and computer simulations to examine the samples’ internal structure without destroying them. This made it possible to better understand the anatomy and evolution of these extinct creatures.

The available information points to greater cephalopod diversity during the Middle Jurassic than previously thought. The discovery of V. atramentum allows us to deepen our understanding of the evolution and developmental processes of animals in the ocean environment.