The Spinosaurus facts in this article give an overview of this huge dinosaur from the Cretaceous period.

The Spinosaurus is a dinosaur from the Cretaceous period and belongs to the suborder Theropoda. This dinosaur existed around 122 million years ago. In the year 1915, information about this suborder was first obtained from Egyptian remains. Theropoda is the suborder of bipedal saurischian dinosaurs. Ernst Stromer, a German paleontologist, provided the first description of this dinosaur. Fossils of the Spinosaurus aegyptiacus and similar ones found in the Kem Kem Beds of Morocco give a sense of the creature's enormous size. From the tip of its nose to the end of its tail, the Spinosaurus measured around 17 m.

The Tyrannosaurus Rex had a much shorter body length of just 13 m. The approximate weight of the Spinosaurus could have been 12 tons. The word 'Spinosaurus' means 'spine lizard' or 'spiny lizard'. Spinosaurus is considered the largest of all predatory dinosaurs ever to have lived on Earth.

Spinosaurus Aegyptiacus Facts

Most information about dinosaurs comes from research on fossils. Scientists draw conclusions from these fragments of evidence, so some facts are still debated among experts. For more context, check out our guide to types of dinosaurs.

  • It is said that there were two species of Spinosaurus: Spinosaurus aegyptiacus and Spinosaurus marocannus. Scientists, however, suggest that only a single species actually existed.
  • The skull of this dinosaur is long and narrow, unlike the skull of the Tyrannosaurus Rex, which is long but not narrow.
An elongated Spinosaurus skull fossil showing long narrow jaws lined with conical teeth, resembling a crocodile.
The Spinosaurus skull was long and narrow, lined with conical teeth perfect for gripping slippery fish, very different from T. rex's wide, bone-crushing jaws.
  • The sail of Spinosaurus was made of spines. Those spines made the sail around 6 feet high.
  • The exact function of the Spinosaurus sail is still a matter of debate. The most widely accepted theory is that it helped control the creature's body temperature.
  • Another theory is that the sail attracted members of the opposite sex, working in a similar way to a peacock's tail.
  • The teeth of the Spinosaurus were long and sharp. Unlike the serrated teeth of many predators, they were more like a crocodile's, designed to grip rather than slice.
  • The Spinosaurus lived in what is today's North Africa, in the tidal flats of a coastal region.

Spinosaurus Facts for Kids

The facts below cover some of the most interesting things we know about this remarkable creature.

  • Spinosaurus is considered not only the biggest dinosaur by length, but also the largest predator species among all land animals of the Cretaceous period.
  • The reason Spinosaurus had such a long skull was that it needed to feed on fish in coastal regions. Along with fish, Spinosaurus also ate smaller dinosaurs.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long was Spinosaurus?

About 17 meters from nose tip to tail, longer than T. rex at 13 m.

What did Spinosaurus eat?

Mainly fish, plus smaller dinosaurs. Its long, narrow skull was perfect for snatching fish from rivers.

What was the sail on Spinosaurus's back for?

Scientists think it mainly regulated body temperature. Another theory is it attracted mates, like a peacock's tail.

Where did Spinosaurus live?

In what is today's North Africa, in the tidal flats of coastal regions during the Cretaceous period, around 122 million years ago.

Is Spinosaurus bigger than T. rex?

Yes. At around 17 meters long and 12 tons, Spinosaurus was larger than T. rex (13 m) and is considered the biggest predatory dinosaur ever found.

Take the Spinosaurus Quiz!

5 quick questions. How much do you know about the biggest predator that ever lived?

  • The front legs of this dinosaur were longer than those of the Tyrannosaurus Rex. Because of this, scientists have wondered whether Spinosaurus sometimes walked on all four legs instead of just two.
  • This idea got stronger with the discovery of the Baryonyx. The Baryonyx was related to the Spinosaurus and had very robust arms.
Size comparison showing Spinosaurus at 17 meters, Tyrannosaurus Rex at 13 meters, and a human figure at 1.8 meters.
Size comparison: Spinosaurus (17 m) dwarfs both T. rex (13 m) and an average adult human (1.8 m). This is why it is called the largest predatory dinosaur ever found.
  • Spinosaurus appeared in the Hollywood film Jurassic Park III. According to John R. Horner, the consulting paleontologist for the film, Spinosaurus was more of a scavenger than an active hunter.
  • Images of the Spinosaurus appeared in kids' books for many years. As more information about Spinosaurids has become available, those depictions have grown much more accurate.

Explore More Animals

Giganotosaurus vs. Megalosaurus: 2 Carnivore Giants ComparedGiganotosaurus vs. Megalosaurus: 2 Carnivore Giants ComparedGiganotosaurus vs. Megalosaurus, a kid-friendly showdown of two legendary meat-eating dinosaurs. Compare their size, weight, teeth, and brains in a side-by-sid Long-Necked Dinosaur Species: An OverviewLong-Necked Dinosaur Species: An OverviewDinosaurs, the gigantic creatures that existed on Earth millions of years ago, have always fascinated us ever since we knew of their existence. AnimalSake prese Mysteriously Amusing Facts about the Meganeura (Giant Dragonfly)Mysteriously Amusing Facts about the Meganeura (Giant Dragonfly)Many would be surprised to know about a gigantic creature that once existed and was similar in appearance to a dragonfly. This post enlists some facts about thi Where Do Crocodiles Live? Habitat, Species & Amazing FactsWhere Do Crocodiles Live? Habitat, Species & Amazing FactsCrocodiles live near swamps, marshlands, brackish waters, lakes, and rivers across five continents. Meet all the species, learn where each one lives, and discov

The facts about Spinosaurus in this article cover both basic anatomy and some fascinating details. They shed light on the creature's body parts, how they worked, and where it lived.