Overview
Spinosaurus is one of the most fascinating and mysterious of all dinosaurs. Longer than T. Rex, it was adapted to an amphibious lifestyle — with dense bones for buoyancy control, short hind legs for swimming, and crocodile-like jaws lined with conical teeth perfect for catching fish. Its iconic sail — or possibly a muscular hump — could reach 2 metres in height.
Key fact
The largest carnivorous dinosaur known — even larger than T. Rex. Spent much of its life wading in rivers hunting fish.
Did you know?
- Dense bones acted like a diver's weight belt, helping it stay submerged.
- Isotope analysis of its teeth confirms it ate mostly fish.
- The original fossils were destroyed in a WWII bombing of Munich in 1944.
- A 2020 study found its paddle-like tail was perfect for underwater propulsion.