Archive · 13 Aug 2025
Ancient Australian Whale: Tiny Predator with Big Eyes Unearthed
Imagine a tiny whale, not much bigger than a dolphin, swimming in the ocean millions of years ago!
Scientists found fossils of this whale in Australia.
They named it Janjucetus dullardi.
This whale had big eyes, like tennis balls, and sharp teeth for hunting.
Unlike today's whales, it was a speedy predator.
This discovery helps scientists understand how whales changed over time.
There were other unusual whales around at that time too.
It was a bit scary, even though they were small and cute!
Fossils of Janjucetus dullardi, an ancient whale species, were discovered in Australia.
The whale lived around 26 million years ago and had large eyes and sharp teeth.
Janjucetus dullardi was a small predator, about the size of a dolphin.
The whale's characteristics provide insight into the evolution of baleen whales.
The discovery was made by Ross Dullard, and the study was published in the Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society.
- Who
- Janjucetus dullardi, a small whale species. Discovered by Ross Dullard.
- What
- Discovery of fossils belonging to Janjucetus dullardi, an ancient whale species.
- When
- Around 26 million years ago.
- Where
- Australia's Surf Coast.
- Why
- The study provides insights into the evolution of modern whales.
- Species Name
- Janjucetus dullardi
- Discovery Year
- 2019
- Location
- Victoria's Surf Coast, Australia
- Size
- About the size of a dolphin
- Teeth
- Sharp, for slicing prey