The family Barytheriidae and the genus Barytherium

Barytheriidae is a family taxon within the mammal order Proboscidea.

Barytheriidae and the only genus within the family, Barytherium, developed during the late Eocene and early Oligocene period in North Africa. The first specimen was found in El Fayum, Egypt, followed by Dor el Talha, Libya.

Barytherium had strong sexual dimorphism (difference between the sexes) and were the first large species within the proboscideans. Barytherium had eight very short tusks, four each in the upper and lower jaws, and may have looked almost like an asian elephant, but with hippo tusks.

Described species within family Barytheriidae and genus Barytherium

• Barytherium grave Andrews, 1901