Scientists discover terrifying new Spinosaurus dubbed the “hell heron”
Dexerto • • world
Key Points:
- Scientists have discovered a new species of Spinosaurus, named Spinosaurus mirabilis, based on fossils found in Niger’s Sahara Desert, marking the first new species in this genus in over a century.
- The dinosaur lived about 95 million years ago, measured 10 to 14 meters long, and featured a distinctive 20-inch-high blade-like skull crest likely used for visual display.
- Paleontologist Paul Sereno described S. mirabilis as a “hell heron,” suggesting it was a wading ambush predator hunting in shallow waters rather than a fully aquatic hunter.
- The species had specialized interlocking, zipper-like teeth adapted for catching slippery fish, a unique trait among dinosaurs.
- Replicas of
