Fossil Dugong Tooth Gainesville Creek

Dugong tooth from a Gainesville creek in Florida. No repair or restoration

Metaxitherium is a genus of extinct dugongid sirenians, or sea cows, that lived from the Miocene to the Pliocene epochs. As part of the family Dugongidae, which also includes the modern-day dugong, Metaxitherium species were marine mammals adapted to a life in shallow, coastal waters.

These creatures were characterized by their elongated skulls and robust bodies, with adaptations suited for a herbivorous diet primarily consisting of sea grasses. Like modern dugongs and manatees, Metaxitherium had a dense bone structure, which helped in maintaining buoyancy control while foraging on sea grasses in shallow waters.

Metaxitherium fossils have been found in various locations across the world, including Europe, Africa, and North America, indicating a wide distribution of these animals during their time. The discovery of these fossils has provided valuable insights into the evolution and diversity of sirenians, as well as the environmental conditions of their habitats during the Miocene to Pliocene epochs.