Basilosaurus or Zeuglodon

Giant Fossil Archaeocete Whale


Basilosaurus or Zeuglodon

Basilosaurus is Latin for “King Lizard”, but actually they are mammals. Another common name “Zeuglodon” means ‘Yoke Tooth,’ because its triangular teeth resemble a yoke. It was 50-70 ft. (18M) in length and was one of the first whales to become extremely large.

This Archaeocete Whale lived 45-34 Million Years Ago in the late Eocene Period. It hunted and raised its young in warm shallow seas.

Basilosaurus Tooth
Basilosaurus Tooth

Up to 5 ft. in length, the skull was massive and is often mistaken for that of a Prehistoric Crocodile. This Ancient Whale’s body was extremely long and had a slender tail that was adapted for aquatic life. It did not have a blow hole like modern whales and would come to the surface to breath by raising the tip of its nose out of the water.

Basilosaurus Tooth or Molar
Basilosaurus Tooth or Molar

A tiny pair of legs and small toes gives evidence to the fact they were once land animals.  This Primitive Eocene Whale was carnivorous and ate fish, sharks, and squid. It was one of the top apex predators of the sea.

In Florida’s Fossil Record, it is one of the oldest fossils found.


Archaeocete Fossils for Sale

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Fossil Basilosaurus Archaeocete Tooth

Price: out of stock    Item #: ARC010


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