Gaviacetus fossil map
Where fossils of Gaviacetus have been found, shown on the Earth as it looked about 45 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 45 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 | 48.07–41.03 million years ago (Lutetian) |
| Periods | Paleogene |
| Family | Protocetidae |
| Named by | Gingerich et al. 1995 |
| Fossil records | 2 occurrences at 1 locations (PBDB) |
| Found in | Pakistan |
| Rock formations | Domanda |
About Gaviacetus
Gaviacetus (from Latin Gavia, "loon" and cetus, "whale") is an extinct archaeocete whale that lived approximately 45 million years ago. Gaviacetus was named for its characteristic narrow rostrum and the fast pursuit predation suggested by its unfused sacral vertebrae.
Text in “About” is quoted from the Wikipedia article Gaviacetus (revision 1369827814), 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: Q5528061.
