Hadrodus

Hadrodus priscus, Leidy 1858

Although related to pycnodont fish, such as Anomoeodus, Hadrodus is not a true pycnodont. Hadrodus has separate, specialized teeth instead of toothplates, and is in its own family Hadrodontidae.

The three types of Hadrodus teeth were:

  1. incisors (two per premaxilla, front and center, like our two front teeth!)
  2. round, crushing, oral cavity teeth
  3. hook-like branchial cavity teeth (these look like a cat’s claw)

A distinguishing characteristic of Hadrodus teeth, is that the enamel is transparent. You should be able to notice at least some degree of this trait on all three types of teeth.

Thank you, to Dr. Earl Manning, for this explanation!