Jurassic squid-like animal unearthed in Wyoming is “fattest” ever discovered

Paleontologists have identified a new and peculiar species of Jurassic squid-like animal discovered in Wyoming. The fossil, which has been described by some as a 'squid butt,' dates back approximately 160 million years. This particular specimen is being highlighted as the fattest and chunkiest belemnite ever found by researchers. The discovery brings to light a unique biological form from the Jurassic period that differs significantly in girth from other known members of its class. Coverage of the find is widespread across several scientific and general news outlets. BBC Wildlife Magazine reports on the animal's status as the fattest of its kind, while Discover Magazine focuses on the specific 'chunky' nature of the belemnite fossil.

Phys.org describes the new species as 'peculiar,' and Nautilus | Science Connected uses the discovery to discuss the broader presence of giant squids during the Jurassic period. Each outlet emphasizes the unusual physical proportions of the specimen relative to other prehistoric cephalopods. The journey of this fossil from the ground to scientific recognition was a lengthy process. According to The Times of India, the specimen was originally found by a Wyoming fossil collector named Cliff Linster. After its initial discovery, the bizarre Jurassic squid remained unrecognized for 30 years. It sat for three decades before experts finally identified it as a species previously unknown to science.

This gap in recognition underscores the challenges of identifying rare paleontological finds that do not fit established morphological patterns. Future attention will likely focus on how this specimen fits into the wider evolutionary history of Jurassic marine life. Because it is the chunkiest belemnite ever discovered, it provides a new data point for understanding the diversity of squid-like animals from 160 million years ago. The scientific community continues to examine the specific traits that make this Wyoming find more peculiar than other known fossils. Researchers will likely continue to compare these findings with other giant squids of the era to determine the prevalence of such girth in ancient oceans.