Protocetus
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| Protocetus Fossil range: Middle Eocene |
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| Protocetus atavus Fraas, 1904 |
Protocetus atavus ('first whale') is an extinct species of primitive cetacean. It lived during the middle Eocene period 45 milion years ago.
The 2.5 m (8 ft) creature was very primitive; it still had hind flippers, and its front flippers had webbed toes. The jaws were long and lined with deadly teeth. Unlike its more primitive predecessor Pakicetus, Protocetus was able to hear properly under water.
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