Named By: | J. Hector in 1881 |
Time Period: | Chattian of the Oligocene |
Location: | New Zealand - Kokoamu Greensand Formation |
Size: | Uncertain but roughly estimated to be about 7 meters long |
Diet: | Uncertain, either a carnivore or filter feeder |
Fossil(s): | Fragmentary skull and post cranial skeletal remains |
Classification: | | Chordata | Mammalia | Cetacea | Kekenodontidae | |
Originally though to be a member of the Archaeoceti, Kekenodon has more recently been considered to be a mysticetid (baleen) whale. Unfortunately the fragmentary nature of the holotype fossils makes is hard to be certain of distinct physical features about Kekenodon.