Ctenosuchus

Ctenosuchus
Temporal range:
Middle Jurassic, Bathonian
Holotype specimen
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Clade: Pseudosuchia
Clade: Crocodylomorpha
Suborder: †Thalattosuchia
Family: †Teleosauridae
Tribe: †Aeolodontini
Genus: †Ctenosuchus
Imran et al., 2026
Species:
†C. tenuidens
Binomial name
†Ctenosuchus tenuidens
Imran et al., 2026

Ctenosuchus (lit. 'comb crocodile') is an extinct genus of thalattosuchian crocodylomorph in the family Teleosauridae, known from the Middle Jurassic (Bathonian age) Anoual Formation of Morocco. The genus contains a single species, Ctenosuchus tenuidens, known from two specimens, both of which preserve partial skulls and osteoderms.

It is characterized by a unique arrangement of widely spaced, needle-like teeth unlike those of all other known crocodylomorphs. Other animals with a comparable dental morphology include mesosaurs (a group of stem reptiles), ctenochasmatid pterosaurs, and some fish (e.g., Atlantic needlefish, goblin shark, longnose gar, and some angler fishes). The interlocking teeth of Ctenosuchus may have been an adaptation for trapping prey, such as small crustaceans, fish, and soft-bodied animals.

Ctenosuchus is located in Morocco
Ctenosuchus
C. tenuidens type locality near Talsint

References

  1. 1 2 Imran, Hamzah; Martill, David M.; Smith, Roy E.; Zouhri, Samir; Gunn, James; Ibrahim, Nizar (2026-10-08). "A new teleosauroid (Crocodylomorpha, Thalattosuchia) with a unique dentition from the Middle Jurassic of eastern Morocco". Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology e2728670. doi:10.1080/02724634.2026.2728670.