A new meat-eating dinosaur belonging to the spinosaurid group has been identified from fossil remains found in the central Sahara Desert in Niger. The species has been named Spinosaurus mirabilis. The discovery adds a second known species to the famous Spinosaurus genus, which was already known from Spinosaurus aegyptiacus, first identified from fossils in Egypt in 1915.
Discovery and Age
The remains were first noticed in 2019, and further excavation in 2022 recovered additional crest material. The study places the animal at around 95 million years old, during the Cretaceous period. A team led by researchers from the University of Chicago worked on the excavation in Niger’s remote Sahara region.
Distinct Physical Features
The dinosaur had several striking traits:
- A large blade-shaped cranial crest, about 50 cm long.
- An elongated crocodile-like snout.
- Interlocking conical teeth without serrations.
- A sail-like structure on its back, typical of spinosaurids.
The crest was likely covered in keratin and may have been brightly coloured in life. Its surface and internal canals suggest a display function.
Feeding Adaptations and Lifestyle
The new species was adapted for fishing. Its teeth formed a natural trap for slippery prey, helping it catch large fish such as coelacanths. The body plan suggests a semi-aquatic predator that hunted in shallow waters. Compared with Spinosaurus aegyptiacus, S. mirabilis had a larger crest, longer hind limbs, a more elongated snout, and more widely spaced teeth.
Scientific Significance
The discovery improves understanding of spinosaurid diversity in Africa and the evolution of fish-eating dinosaurs. It also shows that the Spinosaurus lineage had more variation than previously known. The find is important for studies on dinosaur display structures, feeding ecology, and Cretaceous ecosystems.
Last Modified: April 28, 2026