Chonecetus fossil map
Where fossils of Chonecetus have been found, shown on the Earth as it looked about 30 million years ago and on today’s map.
Dots are fossil collections recorded in the Paleobiology Database. The “then” view moves today’s fossil sites back to their positions 30 million years ago (the time slice nearest the median age of the fossils) using the Merdith et al. (2021) plate model; positions are approximate. Open on the timeline map →
| Group | Early mammals |
|---|---|
| Lived | 27.3–23.04 million years ago (Chattian) |
| Periods | Paleogene |
| Family | Aetiocetidae |
| Named by | Russell 1968 |
| Fossil records | 6 occurrences at 3 locations (PBDB) |
| Found in | Canada, Japan, Mexico |
| Rock formations | Sooke, Morawan, El Cien |
About Chonecetus
Chonecetus is an extinct genus of primitive baleen whale of the family Aetiocetidae that lived in the Oligocene period. Its fossils have been found in Canada, in the northeast Pacific. It was first named by L.S. Russell in 1968, and contains one species, C. sookensis.
Like Aetiocetus, Chonecetus possessed both multicusped teeth and the nutrient foramina required for baleen. Chonecetus closely resembled a modern Mysticeti, with an elongate, streamlined body supporting a pair of paddle-shaped forelimbs, and a horizontal tail fluke strengthened by fibrous cartilage.
Text in “About” is quoted from the Wikipedia article Chonecetus (revision 1354944189), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0; introduction excerpted verbatim, formatting removed. Ages, family, authority and fossil records: Paleobiology Database, accessed 23 October 2026. Ages are those of the rock layers the fossils were found in. Wikidata: Q5104580.
