A new species of the durophagous mosasaur Carinodens (Squamata, Mosasauridae) and additional material of Carinodens belgicus from the Maastrichtian phosphates of Morocco

Five new dentaries, representing three individuals of the poorly known durophagous mosasaur Carinodens are described from the Maastrichtian phosphates of Morocco. Contrary to previous assumptions, the dentary of Carinodens holds 17-18 teeth, rather than 13. One pair of dentaries represents a new species, Carinodens minalmamar, characterised by laterally flattened teeth with two relatively pronounced sulci, a tooth count of 18, and a more slender general aspect of the dentary itself. The new material requires adjustment of previous reconstructions, assumptions on jaw mechanics, and palaeobiological interpretations of Carinodens.