Basilosaurus or ZeuglodonGiant Fossil Archaeocete Whale
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.
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.
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.
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