| Dagonodum | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Mammalia |
| Order: | Artiodactyla |
| Infraorder: | Cetacea |
| Family: | Ziphiidae |
| Genus: | †Dagonodum Ramassamy, 2016 |
| Species: | †D. mojnum |
| Binomial name | |
| †Dagonodum mojnum Ramassamy, 2016 | |
Dagonodum is an extinct genus ofziphiid cetacean known fromTortonian age marine deposits in theGram Formation in Denmark. There is only one known species,Dagonodum mojnum.[1]
The genus name is a reference to the godDagon, worshiped as the head god and as a deity of prosperity in ancient inlandSyria, but best known fromH.P. Lovecraft'sshort story, where he is instead depicted as deep-sea deity. The species name is a reference to the word for "goodbye" in the localSouth Jutlandic dialect where the fossils were found. The word, "mojn", is ofGerman origin, where it is used as both a greeting and a farewell.[1]
The species is distinguished by its two pairs of mandibular tusks and long snout. It also possessed a long neck, leading to speculation that it wasn't well suited to deep-dives.[1]
The species is notable for its difference from other ziphiidae of the period in that it seems to be less reliant on suction feeding.[2]