SpinosaurusArticle | Updated 10 years ago Spinosaurus Image peter Schouten At an estimated maximum length of roughly 15 metres, Spinosaurus was the largest of all known theropod dinosaurs. This enormous, strange-looking theropod prowled the coastal plains of northern Africa, 100–95 million years ago. The shape of its teeth and jaws indicate that Spinosaurus included fish in its diet, and a fossil of a partial skull was found with a fish vertebra lodged in a tooth socket. The rivers and estuaries of northern Africa were teeming with the giant sawfish called Onchopristis and other fish. The sheer size of an adult Spinosaurus probably enabled it to prey on Onchopristis up to several metres in length, while at the same time giving it some immunity to attacks by Carcharodontosaurus. NORTHERN AFRICA (100 million years ago) Sail back The sail-like structure on this dinosaur’s back is formed by extremely tall spines of the vertebrae. Some scientists suggest the sail was for display, while others believe Spinosaurus used its sail to regulate body heat. Another possibility is that the sail served as internal support for a hump of fat built up during times of abundant food supply. Spinosaurus vertebrae with tall spines IMAGE: WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY Croc-like mouth Spinosaurus teeth are similar to teeth of crocodiles and their close relatives and have been misidentified as such in the past. The shape of their jaw is also similar to that of several large species of crocodiles and their close relatives. These conical teeth and crocodile-like jaw shape helped Spinosaurus to secure a better grip on slippery prey.  Spinosaurus aegyptiacus NAMED BY STROMER, 1915. Diet Animals Height 5.4m Length 15.0m Width 2.0m ‹ Bite Marks Carcharodontosaurus ›