Paleontologists have made an exciting discovery of a monumental new dinosaur species in a secluded area of the Sahara Desert. Named Spinosaurus mirabilis—which translates to “amazing spinosaurus” in Latin—this colossal creature roamed more than 95 million years ago in what is now Niger, far from the coastal regions typically associated with similar fish-hunting dinosaurs.

Measuring as long as a school bus and weighing several tons, Spinosaurus mirabilis stands out from other spinosaurs due to its distinctive scimitar-shaped crest on its head. This unique feature was so rare that researchers did not recognize its importance during the initial excavation in 2019; they only grasped its significance upon returning in 2022 to unearth additional specimens.

“This discovery was so sudden and surprising that it was incredibly exciting for our team,” said Paul Sereno, Professor of Organismal Biology and Anatomy at the University of Chicago. Sereno led the groundbreaking research, which was published in a 2016 Science study.

“I will cherish the moment we gathered around our laptops at camp to observe the new species for the first time, after one of our team members generated a 3D digital model of the bones we uncovered to assemble the skull. It was then that the full significance of the discovery became clear,” he added.

Previous Spinosaurus fossils are mainly found near ancient coastlines. These dinosaurs, characterized by their long snouts and conical teeth reminiscent of modern crocodiles, were exceptionally adapted for hunting fish.

The extent of their aquatic capabilities is still debated, with some researchers asserting they were powerful swimmers, while others believe they spent most of their time paddling through shallow waters.

Interestingly, S. mirabilis was discovered hundreds of kilometers away from the nearest coast. Researchers propose that this region of Niger may have once been a lush forest landscape crisscrossed by rivers, rather than a coastal area.

“I envision this dinosaur had no difficulty entering 2 meters (6.5 feet) of water with its robust legs, but likely spent most of its time stalking through shallower areas, hunting for the day’s many large fish,” Sereno remarked.

Nevertheless, many mysteries remain about this new species and its closely related counterparts in the Spinosauridae family.

“This new discovery will only enhance its mystique,” said Steve Brusatte, a professor and paleontologist at the University of Edinburgh, who was not involved in the study. BBC Science Focus.

“This surprising discovery underscores that there is still much to learn about Spinosaurus. While dinosaurs have long been shrouded in enigma, each new fossil sheds light on their true nature, bringing Spinosaurus into clearer focus.”

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