Squalodon calvertensis

The Platanistoid Whales are a Superfamily of Odontocetes (Toothed Whales) that, in the modern day, only consists of the South Asian River Dolphins (Family Platanistidae: Platanista). These modern representatives are bizarre, specialized forms that are near-blind, squared forelimbs, a toothy gharial-like snout, and a habit of swimming sideways. The two species of Platanista today are well adapted for the shallow, muddy rivers of Southern Asia; found only in the Ganges and Indus rivers. Other, extinct members of the superfamily, like the Squalodontids lived different lives during the Late Oligocene to Mid Miocene. They had many of the same advanced features as modern cetaceans, however their teeth are still quite varied and similar to Archaeocete cetaceans. These pointed, shark-like teeth suggest a macropredatory diet of large vertebrates; including fish, turtles, and possibly other smaller whales/dolphins. Some Squalodonts could grow to sizes of modern Beaked whales. This species of Squalodon; the type genus of the family, is a medium sized representative.