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Science & Nature • Paleontology

Carnotaurus

Carnotaurus is a genus of abelisaurid theropod dinosaur from the Late Cretaceous of South America, known for its paired horns above the eyes and unusually small forelimbs.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Carnotaurus is a genus of abelisaurid theropod dinosaur from the Late Cretaceous of South America, known for its paired horns above the eyes and unusually small forelimbs. The best-known species is Carnotaurus sastrei, based on a single, relatively complete fossil from Argentina. Its name means “meat-eating bull.”

Discovery and naming

Carnotaurus was described from a fossil discovered in Argentina by José F. Bonaparte. The name refers to its carnivorous diet and bull-like horns.

Physical characteristics

The dinosaur had a deep skull, paired brow horns, a long tail, and tiny arms. Fossil evidence also includes skin impressions showing a rough, bumpy exterior.

Classification

Carnotaurus belongs to Abelisauridae, a group of southern theropods that became prominent predators in Gondwanan ecosystems during the Late Cretaceous.

Palaeobiology

Studies of its skeleton suggest it was a fast-running predator adapted to life in open environments. Its anatomy is unusual among large carnivorous dinosaurs, especially in the reduced forelimbs and horned skull.

Key facts

  • Carnotaurus was a large bipedal theropod dinosaur.
  • It had two distinctive horns above the eyes.
  • Its forelimbs were very small compared with its body size.
  • Fossils are known from Argentina in South America.
  • It is one of the best-known abelisaurids because a well-preserved specimen was found.
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Canadian context

Carnotaurus is mainly relevant to Canadian readers through museum exhibits, dinosaur education, and paleontology coverage; it is a well-known example of a South American theropod in comparative dinosaur science.

Frequently asked questions

What does Carnotaurus mean?
It means “meat-eating bull,” a reference to its diet and prominent horns.
Where was Carnotaurus found?
Fossils have been found in Argentina.
When did Carnotaurus live?
It lived during the Late Cretaceous, roughly around 70 million years ago.
What kind of dinosaur was Carnotaurus?
It was a large carnivorous theropod in the abelisaurid family.
Why is Carnotaurus famous?
It is known for its eye horns, very small arms, and unusually well-preserved fossil evidence, including skin impressions.

References

  1. Natural History Museum — https://www.nhm.ac.uk/discover/dino-directory/carnotaurus.html
    Supports: Name meaning, type of dinosaur, length, diet, age, and discovery location.
  2. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carnotaurus
    Supports: General overview, horns, body plan, size, and classification as an abelisaurid.
  3. Active Wild — https://www.activewild.com/carnotaurus-facts-information/
    Supports: Late Cretaceous age, South American occurrence, and abelisaurid classification.
  4. YouTube — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mNnBpqJEBn8
    Supports: Discovery by José F. Bonaparte, horned appearance, and name origin.