Spinosaurus

Article | Updated 1 decade ago

Spinosaurus illustration

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)

Map of 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

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 stands 5.4m tall

Spinosaurus aegyptiacus

NAMED BY STROMER, 1915.

Diet Animals
Height 5.4m
Length 15.0m
Width 2.0m