Placoziphius is an extinct genus of toothed whales that belongs to the subfamily Physeterinae. It lived in Belgium during the Miocene epoch.[1][2][3]
It is larger than all known kogiid species and was similar in size to Diaphorocetus and the smallest specimens of Orycterocetus.[1]
Discovery
Remains of this genus were first uncovered in Belgium south to Antwerp from the Berchem formation in the Edegem Sands member.[1]
The holotype specimen (IRSNB M.530) consist of a fragmentary skull. This included most of the rostrum, fragments of the supraorbital processes and of the supracranial basin, the two squamosal and exoccipital sets, and an associated fragment of atlas.[1]
References
- ^ a b c d Lambert, Olivier. (2008). Sperm whales from the Miocene of the North Sea: A re-appraisal. Bulletin de l’Institut Royal des Sciences Naturelles de Belqique, Sciences de la Terre. 78. 277-316.
- ^ https://www.biolib.cz/en/taxon/id747697/
- ^ “Mindat.org”. www.mindat.org. Retrieved 2026-03-22.