A partial whale skeleton found on the shore of San Giuliano Lake near Matera, southern Italy, was identified as an Early Pleistocene whale closely related to the living blue whale. A 2019 study estimated that the animal reached up to 26 metres long. The University of Pisa described it as the largest whale fossil ever described—not the largest fossil of any kind.
What was found in the lake?
The discovery was a partial skeleton of a baleen whale, found in 2006 on the shore of the artificial San Giuliano Lake near Matera. The University of Pisa confirms the find’s location and year. A later account by Daily Galaxy reports that a farmer came across the bones and that water levels were lowered to help recover them; those details are not confirmed in the university’s releases.
Was it really a blue whale fossil?
The researchers identified the specimen as a blue-whale-like baleen whale. The shape of its skull and tympanic bulla—a bone in the inner ear—showed strong affinities with the living blue whale, Balaenoptera musculus. This supports a close resemblance, but the description does not establish that the fossil belonged to the same species as modern blue whales.
How big was the fossil whale?
The University of Pisa’s 2019 research record gives an estimated body length of up to 26 metres. That is an estimate from the partial skeleton, not a direct measurement of an intact animal. The university’s paleontologist Giovanni Bianucci said the skull and ear-bone features supported the comparison with modern blue whales, “confirmed also by the estimate of the maximum length of the animal which exceeded 26 metres.”
#1 Best Overall
- Replica Chirostenotes dinosaur claw – approx. 4.5 inches (11.43cm)
- Species: Chirostenotes pergracilis, Late Cretaceous (~76.5 million years ago), Alberta, Canada
- Realistic texture and anatomical accuracy – great for collectors, educators, and fossil enthusiasts
- Useful in paleontology education, museum displays, or as a unique prehistoric gift
- Display-ready fossil replica (stand not included)
The record-setting wording needs a precise boundary: the study called it the largest whale fossil ever described. It did not claim this was the largest fossil ever found across all organisms.
How old are the bones, and where were they found?
The fossil comes from the Early Pleistocene, approximately 1.5–1.25 million years ago; the University of Pisa’s English release gives the narrower estimate of about 1.49–1.25 million years, based on associated microfossils. The findspot was the shore of San Giuliano Lake, near Matera in southern Italy.
Rank #2
- BRING HOME THE WILD TO YOUR CHILD - The Blue Whale figure is designed to ensure a high attention to detail for an authentic and realistic look at the world's largest mammal. This toy figurine is a valuable addition to any toy collection for endless play.
- DISCOVER THE WILD WORLD OF ANIMALS - The Blue Whale toy from Schleich is designed for safe and creative pretend play. Unleash your child's imagination with endless storytelling possibilities.
- GIVE CHILDREN THE GIFT OF MAGIC AND WONDER - Meticulously designed to inspire safe, healthy, and imaginative play among children, either as a standalone toy or part of a larger collection for wildlife fun.
- STEP INTO THE WILD SIDE OF WILD LIFE - Adventure awaits! Swing through the jungle with the monkeys, spot the lions on safari, hear the howl of the wolf through the trees. Our Wild Life play sets include grassland, woodland, forest creatures and more.
- IMAGINATION WITHOUT LIMITATION - Schleich toys come in all shapes and sizes to bring every story to life. We value sustainability which is why we have created diverse worlds of durable toys built-to-last that can be treasured for generations to come.
What does it change about whale gigantism?
The Matera whale shows that baleen whales comparable in size to today’s giants were present earlier than a previously proposed late-Pleistocene shift toward very large body sizes. The study’s modelling suggests that the shift in the distribution of whale sizes happened earlier than once thought—or may not have been a single, distinct event. One fossil does not by itself settle the full history of whale gigantism, but it moves evidence for giant mysticetes further back in time.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Who studied the fossil?
The study was led by Giovanni Bianucci and colleagues from the University of Pisa, the University of Catania, and the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences. Their findings were published in Biology Letters in 2019. The University of Pisa’s announcement and research record describe the identification, age, and size estimate.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteQuick Recap
Best Value
- Feature: It is real, nature and authentic. Not fake or man-made.
- Size: It is variation 5cm - 8cm. Send by random.
- Note: Coz it is real fossil, each will be slightly different in shape, color, and size. Send by random.
- From: It is from the Hunan Province of China. Time: 450 million years ago silurian period.
- Gift: Memorable gift to friend, kids or family.
Rank #4
- 10 Whale Figures: Includes blue, Bryde's, minke, right, bowhead, humpback, gray, beluga, pilot, and sperm whales, with each miniature measuring 2.5 to 4 inches for ocean play, dioramas, and marine life lessons.
- Explore Whale Species: These whale toys for kids make it easy to compare shapes, colors, and body forms across 10 species while building ocean scenes, matching animals, and creating imaginative marine stories at home or in class.
- Fits Ocean Scenes: The 2.5 to 4 inch whale figures work naturally with ocean dioramas, sensory bins, habitat projects, classroom displays, and other small-world sea life setups without taking over the scene.
- Travel Party Classroom: Compact whale toys pack easily into activity bags and the reusable TOOB, and they also work well for school projects, party favors, cake toppers, ocean-themed crafts, and marine biology lessons.
- Safety Tested Build: Made from BPA Free materials for Ages 3+, these sturdy whale figurines are designed for regular handling and pack back into the 1.5 x 1.5 x 13 inch reusable TOOB for organized storage.
Rank #3
- 【Safety Material 】Made of handmade soft PVC.Non-toxic and durable soft rubber;This product has passed the test CPSC-accepted testing and is suitable for children under 12 years old.
- 【Play in Water or on Land】 Ideal for stage and puppet theater, storytelling, teaching, daycare, pre-school, pretend play, role-playing, presentations, games, party gifts and so on.
- 【Very Cool Theme Party】Throw a nautical party and decorate with this lifelike figurine.Highly realistic.Exact jaw and skin details make you feel the charm of Ocean Life! Exquisite design and hand paint process.
- 【Perfect Gift】 Highly detailed from each tooth to each gill, Compact and portable, you can take it everywhere you want. Ideal gift for boys kids and collectors.
- 【Entertainment Learning 】Inspire children to learn about the many creatures of the ocean! Ideal for education on Ocean species, environmental awareness, and natural history,Children can learn and understand about the Shark and Whale's types and habits more happily.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
