canalus

Canalus refers to a genus of extinct marine reptiles belonging to the order Plesiosauria. These creatures lived during the Early Cretaceous period, approximately 125 to 113 million years ago. Fossil evidence suggests they were medium-sized plesiosaurs, distinguished by specific anatomical features that differentiate them from other related groups. The genus was first described based on remains found in the United Kingdom.

The most notable characteristic of canalus is its skeletal structure, particularly within its vertebral column and limb girdles. These adaptations indicate a lifestyle similar to other plesiosaurs, likely involving active predation in marine environments. Their diet probably consisted of fish and other small marine organisms, which they would have captured using their streamlined bodies and possibly their teeth, though detailed information about their dentition is often scarce for extinct species.

The discovery of canalus has contributed to our understanding of plesiosaur diversity and evolution during the Cretaceous. It helps paleontologists trace the evolutionary lineages and geographical distribution of these marine reptiles, providing insights into the ecosystems they inhabited. Research on canalus continues, with new fossil discoveries potentially refining our knowledge of its anatomy, behavior, and evolutionary relationships.