Our literature search was terminated in October 1980. The genera Rhiniodon, Rhincodon, Rhineodon and Rhinodon have been used over time. The current accepted genus is Rhincodon. Many of the references are entirely derivative, repeating or, occasionally, assembling previous accounts. It is our hope to provide the seeker after specific infomation with the updated record and to guide him around the irrelevant and repetitious material to sources of substance.