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Quick Take

• Spinosaurus mirabilis was a newly discovered spinosaur from the ancient river systems of what is now the Sahara in Niger.

• Its huge blade-shaped head crest may have been covered in keratin and possibly used for display or communication.

• Fossil evidence suggests the “hell heron” was a specialized wading hunter that preyed on fish in inland waterways.

Today, the Sahara Desert is one of the harshest environments in the world, with temperatures reaching a record of 136°F. However, it once looked very different, and around 95 million years ago, it was home to a terrifying predator nicknamed the “hell heron.” This newly identified dinosaur was a Spinosaurus with a particularly unusual appearance and lifestyle. Keep reading to discover what it looked like and why it was such a successful hunter!

Discovery in the Sahara

The Sahara is known as one of the most inhospitable places on Earth. This harsh, desert landscape spans eleven countries and 3.6 million square miles. However, 95 million years ago, during the Cretaceous Period, the region was a very different ecosystem. Much of what is now desert was once a vast network of rivers, wetlands, and floodplains. These waterways supported a wide range of animals, including dinosaurs.

A 2019 research study led by Paul Sereno, a paleontologist at the University of Chicago, uncovered the fossilized remains of a previously unknown species of Spinosaurus. The discovery was made in a remote region of the Sahara that is now Niger. Interestingly, the expedition only came about due to a brief note from the 1950s that mentioned a saber-shaped fossil tooth from a Carcharodontosaurus in the region. However, the search team uncovered something far more significant—a new species, now named Spinosaurus mirabilis.

The team did not initially recognize the find as a new species. Only during a second expedition in 2022 did they realize it was a new species of Spinosaurus. Aside from its location, the discovery is also remarkable as it is the first new species of spinosaurid to be discovered in more than 100 years.

What Made This Spinosaurus So Unusual?

Spinosaurus mirabilis is one of the most unusual dinosaur discoveries in recent years, as it had a very different appearance from other spinosaurid dinosaurs. The two expeditions to the Sahara Desert unearthed several unusual bones. These bones were eventually identified as part of a massive crest rising from the top of the dinosaur’s skull.

The fossil evidence shows that this crest curved upwards in a striking blade-like shape. It’s estimated that the crest could have reached up to 20 inches high. This makes it potentially the tallest crest known on any carnivorous dinosaur. Spinosaurid dinosaurs are best known for the distinctive large sail structures on their backs, rather than for having crests on their heads. The presence of such a prominent crest in Spinosaurus mirabilis has therefore raised important questions about why this species evolved so differently from its relatives.

Researchers aren’t entirely certain why Spinosaurus mirabilis had a crest on its head. However, it is theorized that it could have been used for attracting mates, scaring away rivals, or even purely for a decorative purpose. Surprisingly, the texture of the fossilized crest suggests that it would have been covered with keratin. This is the same material as human fingernails. It’s also thought that the crest could have been brightly colored, making it even more effective as a significant visual signal. Among living animals, similar features are often most prominent in males and play an important role in social behavior.

The “Hell Heron” Hunting Style

Although its large crest made Spinosaurus mirabilis visually different from other dinosaurs, it wasn’t the only unusual thing about it. The fossils were preserved in inland river deposits, alongside fossils of other large freshwater animals. This suggests it lived far from the coast, in an area shaped by rivers and wetlands, rather than near the sea. This is particularly important because most spinosaur fossils have previously been found in coastal environments.

Spinosaurus mirabilis had a long, narrow jaw with tightly interlocking teeth. Its lower jaw protruded outwards from the upper jaw so that the teeth closed together. This formed a tight trap that prevented prey from escaping. This type of jaw and tooth formation is an adaptation seen in several fish-eating animals. These include crocodiles, ichthyosaurs, and pterosaurs. Therefore, it suggests that Spinosaurus mirabilis was also a fish-eater.

It’s estimated that Spinosaurus mirabilis was approximately 32 to 40 feet long when fully grown and had strong, sturdy legs. However, its immense body size meant it would have been ill-suited for swimming. Rather than chasing prey underwater, scientists believe it waded into the water and hunted fish from above, similar to modern herons—hence the nickname “hell heron.” This evidence suggests that Spinosaurus mirabilis filled a very specific ecological niche and may have become one of the most specialized semi-aquatic hunters of the Cretaceous Period, using its surroundings to dominate the rivers of the ancient Saharan landscape.

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