Spinosaurus mirabilis

Spinosaurus mirabilis is a new species of spinosaurid dinosaur discovered in Niger’s Sahara Desert, described in 2026 by Paul Sereno and his team. Living 95 million years ago, this ~8-meter-long (incomplete specimen) carnivore is characterized by a unique scimitar-shaped crest on its skull and a large, iconic sail on its back. It was likely a semi-aquatic “hell heron,” hunting large fish in inland river systems rather than coastal areas. Wikipedia +4

Here are the key facts about Spinosaurus mirabilis:

• Distinctive Crest: Unlike Spinosaurus aegyptiacus, this species features a tall, curved, scimitar-shaped crest on the top of its head.
• Inland Habitat: Fossils were discovered in Niger, hundreds of miles from ancient coastlines, suggesting these spinosaurs inhabited inland river systems, not just coastal areas.
• Diet and Feeding: It possessed long, narrow jaws with interlocking, crocodile-like teeth suited for catching slippery fish.
• “Hell Heron” Lifestyle: Analysis suggests it was a semi-aquatic predator that waded in shallow water to hunt, behaving similarly to a giant, modern heron.
• Discovery Details: Identified in 2026, the fossils were found in the Farak Formation of Niger, with the discovery providing a new, more complete understanding of cranial structure in Spinosaurus.
• Physical Appearance: It had the signature long snout and dorsal sail common to the Spinosaurus genus.
• Size Estimates: The studied individuals were not fully grown, with estimated lengths around 8 meters (approx. 26 feet) at the time of death, meaning they could have grown larger. Wikipedia +6

Spinosaurus mirabilis lived during the Mid-Cretaceous period, roughly 100 to 95 million years ago. EarthSky +3