Izikoziphius

Izikoziphius is an extinct genus of beaked whale. It contains two species: Izikoziphius rossi, and Izikoziphius angustus.

Etymology

The genus is named after the Iziko [South African Museum]. Its grammatical gender is masculine. Izikoziphius rossi is named after Dr. Graham James Berry Ross from the Port [Elizabeth Museum] in South Africa.

Description

Izikoziphius is different from the other genus in the subfamily Ziphiinae in that it has a longer rostrum, and lacks a prenarial basin. Izikoziphius rossi has a rostrum length of 490-530 millimeters, and a width and height of 94-155 and 84-100 millimeters, respectively. It differs from I. angustus in having a rostrum with a mid-length width more than that of its mid-length height. The base of its rostrum is also wider.

Distribution

Fossils of this species were found off the coast of South Africa.