Scientific article: Exceptional soft-tissue preservation of Jurassic Vampyronassa rhodanica provides new insights on the evolution and palaeoecology of vampyroteuthids (Rowe et al. 2022)
And a science communication article about it: Vampire Squid’s Ancestor was Active Hunter, New Study Suggests
† V. rhodanica is one of the oldest relatives of Vampyroteuthis infernalis. Analyzed specimens of V. rhodanica date back to 164 million years old. And differs from modern Vampyromorpha by their two first dorsal sessile arms clearly longer than the others, their more important funnel and their longer and slightly more spindle-like body (Fischer & Riou, 2002). It could also hold and manipulate its prey, being a more active predator "that really sucks", compared to the more passive V. infernalis.
And a science communication article about it: Vampire Squid’s Ancestor was Active Hunter, New Study Suggests
† V. rhodanica is one of the oldest relatives of Vampyroteuthis infernalis. Analyzed specimens of V. rhodanica date back to 164 million years old. And differs from modern Vampyromorpha by their two first dorsal sessile arms clearly longer than the others, their more important funnel and their longer and slightly more spindle-like body (Fischer & Riou, 2002). It could also hold and manipulate its prey, being a more active predator "that really sucks", compared to the more passive V. infernalis.