Carinodens is an extinct genus of Cretaceous marine lizards belonging to the mosasaur family. “Carinodens” means “ridge teeth”. It was named in 1969 as an alternative name for Compressidens, “compressed teeth,” which was already in use for gadilidan scaphopod mollusks. Carinodens individuals reached a length of about 3.5 meters (11.5 feet) and are among the smallest known mosasaurs.
Carinodens was closely associated with Globidens, although less is known about it in comparison. The holotype sample consists of incomplete right teeth, and most subsequently referred specimens are isolated teeth. The overall tooth morphology preserves mostly the posterior teeth. Until recently, when more comprehensive material was recovered, most teeth of this genus (its most distinctive feature) were unknown.
Carinodens can be easily distinguished from the closely related Globidens by the compressed nature of its teeth and its relatively sensitive teeth.
Carinodens is an extinct genus of Cretaceous marine lizards belonging to the mosasaur family. "Carinodens" means "ridge teeth". It was named in 1969 as an alternative name for Compressidens, "compressed teeth," which was already in use for gadilidan scaphopod mollusks. Carinodens individuals reached a length of about 3.5 meters (11.5 feet) and are among the smallest known mosasaurs.