In Depth
Piscobalaena is a genus of filter feeding whale known to have inhibited the waters between South and North America during the Miocene. This seaway was a popular transit route for whales swimming from the Atlantic Ocean into the Pacific and back again. It was also fraught with danger however as giant sharks, including the infamous C. megalodon are also known to have been present in these waters, and a five meter long whale like Piscobalaena would have been the perfect target for such a predator.
Further Reading
- Neuer Spattertiarer cetotherid (Cetacea, Mysticeti) aus der Pisco Formation Perus. - Beitrage zur Palaontologie der Cetaceen Perus 109-115. - G. Pilleri & H. J. Siber - 1989. – The anatomy and relationships of Piscobalaena nana (Cetacea, Mysticeti), a Cetotheriidae s.s. from the early Pliocene of Peru. – V. Bouetel & C. Muizon – 2006.
