15.01.2026 10:32
Scientists have identified Palaeophis colossaeus, estimated to be over 12 meters long, as the largest sea snake to date. The possibility that this giant snake targeted large prey, such as sharks, has astonished the scientific community.
Scientists have calculated that the largest sea snake to have ever lived was over 12 meters long. This prehistoric species, called Palaeophis colossaeus, adds a new "peak" to the list of predators in the oceans with its massive size.
Researchers say that the species was not only large but may also have targeted large prey like sharks.
LIVED IN THE OCEANS
According to the study, this snake lived in the oceans during the Eocene epoch and occupied a top position in the marine ecosystem of that time. Scientists point out that most of today's sea snakes do not exceed 2–3 meters; this comparison makes the existence of Palaeophis colossaeus even more striking. The team emphasizes that the discovery of this giant species opens up many assumptions about the evolution of sea snakes for re-examination.
THE DISCOVERY BROUGHT NEW QUESTIONS
Researchers say that fossil data shows that past oceans hosted larger and more powerful predators than previously thought. The discovery also brings new questions about how prehistoric marine life was balanced.