Exciting news has just splashed down from the world of palaeontology! A brand-new species of Spinosaurus has been officially named following an adventurous expedition into the heart of the Sahara Desert. Say hello to Spinosaurus mirabilis—a name that translates to “astonishing,” and we certainly think it lives up to the title!

A Crest Like No Other While we’ve long known about the famous sail-backed Spinosaurus aegyptiacus, this new relative is turning heads thanks to its distinctive “sabre-crest.” Found in the deserts of Niger, S. mirabilis sported a large, sword-shaped ridge on its skull. Scientists believe this crest, likely covered in a colourful layer of keratin (the same stuff in your fingernails!), was used for showing off to mates or intimidating rivals.

The Ultimate “Hell Heron” Lead researcher Professor Paul Sereno has affectionately dubbed this new dinosaur a “hell heron.” Imagine a 26-foot-long predator wading through ancient wetlands on sturdy legs, using its interlocking, needle-like teeth to snag slippery fish from the water. 95 million years ago, the Sahara wasn’t a sandy desert but a lush network of rivers—the perfect playground for this prehistoric giant.

Bringing History to Life At Travelling Natural History, we love seeing how new discoveries like Spinosaurus mirabilis change our understanding of the Stone Age and the age of dinosaurs. It reminds us that there is always more to dig up! Whether it was stalking the shoreline or wading chest-deep into the river, this “astonishing” lizard is a fantastic reminder of how diverse life on Earth has always been.

Want to learn more about the giants of the past? Check out our upcoming school workshops and events!

Source: The Natural History Museum, London