CretaceousCarnivoreGiant
Spinosaurus
SPY-no-SORE-us
"Spine lizard"
Overview
Spinosaurus was the largest known carnivorous dinosaur, exceeding even T. rex in length. Uniquely adapted for a semi-aquatic lifestyle, it had a sail-like structure on its back, conical crocodile-like teeth, and powerful limbs for swimming in the rivers of Cretaceous North Africa.
Vital Statistics
Length
15 m
Height
5 m
Weight
7 t
Est. Speed
15 km/h
Discovered
1912
Named by
Ernst Stromer
Countries Discovered
EgyptMoroccoNiger
Fossil Locations
Leaflet © OpenStreetMap
📍 Bahariya Formation, Egypt📍 Kem Kem Beds, Morocco
Interesting Facts
Spinosaurus may have reached 15 meters in length, making it the longest known theropod.
Its crocodile-like snout and conical teeth were ideal for catching slippery fish.
Dense bones and a paddle-like tail suggest it was a powerful swimmer.
The sail on its back may have reached 2 meters tall and was likely used for display and thermoregulation.
Closest Relatives
SuchomimusBaryonyxIrritatorOxalaia