Binomial Spinosaurus aegyptiacus · SPY-no-SORE-us
Early to Late Cretaceous - 106-94 Ma
AI reconstructionSpinosaurus fossil records in Fossil Atlas are mapped as selected modern discovery locations, with 24 source-backed records currently shown. North Africa, including selected Kem Kem, Ifezouane, Douira, Echkar, Quseir, and related Saharan records. Key mapped formations in the current dataset include Douira, Lubur Sandstone, Ifezouane. These pins are fossil record locations, not a complete ancient habitat map.
This remains a specimen profile: the reconstruction, measurements, field account, and evidence sections stay intact. The fossil-map answer is surfaced here so visitors from search can orient themselves before reading the full dossier.
Spinosaurus is among the largest known carnivorous dinosaurs and one of the most debated. It lived in what is now North Africa during the Cretaceous period and is distinguished by elongated vertebral spines that formed a tall sail-like structure. Fossil Atlas maps selected records from Kem Kem, Ifezouane, Douira, Echkar, Quseir, and related Saharan deposits. Its long, narrow snout and conical teeth point to a diet that included fish, while dense bones and later tail studies have been used to argue for aquatic habits. Exactly how aquatic Spinosaurus was remains an active scientific debate. The original Egyptian material described by Ernst Stromer was destroyed during the 1944 bombing of Munich, leaving researchers dependent on Stromer notes and later finds.
Drawn true to scale on a metre ruler.
Length
measured15 m · 49 ft
Largest known specimens
Height
measured5-6 m (16-20 ft) including sail
Body mass
estimate6,800 kg · 15,000 lb
Typical adult
Top speed
estimate24 km/h · 15 mph
Modelled, debated
Bite force
estimate4,500 lbf
Teeth
measured≈ 64
Brain : body (EQ)
estimate1.3
Encephalization quotient
Position of this animal’s known range across 252 million years of the Mesozoic and beyond.
106-94 million years ago
Spinosaurus is among the largest known carnivorous dinosaurs, though size estimates remain tied to incomplete material.
It shows unusual aquatic adaptations for a non-avian dinosaur, though details of how it swam and hunted remain debated.
The original Spinosaurus material described by Ernst Stromer was destroyed in a WWII bombing raid on Munich in 1944.
Its distinctive sail was made of elongated neural spines that may have been used for display, signaling, or thermoregulation.
Dense bones have been used as evidence for time spent in water.
Spinosaurus had a long, narrow snout with conical teeth suited to catching slippery prey such as fish.
Recent research on the tail has shaped debate about whether Spinosaurus actively propelled itself through water.
Pins show selected fossil records for Spinosaurus; use them as modern discovery evidence, not a complete range map. Modern fossil discovery map: pins show where selected fossil and specimen records were found today, not ancient Earth positions. What does this mean?
Specimen evidence
These are sourced specimen assets, separate from the AI reconstruction. Only media with clear open or reusable rights is displayed by default.
Spinosaurus cervico-dorsal vertebrae
Bramfab
Spinosaurus foot bones
Kumiko
Spinosaurus vertebrae at the Schiele Museum
RidgelantRL
Spinosaurus skeletal mount, historical reconstruction
Kabacchi
Spinosaurus tooth and spine piece
Ghedoghedo
Spinosaurus is represented here by selected fossil records from north africa, including selected kem kem, ifezouane, douira, echkar, quseir, and related saharan records. Fossil Atlas maps those records as modern discovery locations.
No. The map shows modern fossil discovery locations from selected records. Ancient habitat and paleogeographic reconstructions are separate questions.
The current Fossil Atlas records include Douira. Formation coverage depends on the selected dataset and may not be complete.
Yes. Use the expedition card generator to turn the Spinosaurus map and specimen profile into a shareable card.
Selected fossil records from PBDB and museum biodiversity aggregators. Source labels and confidence notes help distinguish canonical paleobiology records from specimen-media records.
Reconstruction images are labeled illustrations and do not represent fossil evidence. Size, speed, and bite-force figures are typical published estimates and remain subject to revision as new specimens are described.
Maps use curated PBDB, museum, and specimen-source records with visible caveats.
Pins show where fossils were found or reported today, not exact ancient habitat positions.
Artwork is labeled separately from specimen photos, maps, and source records.
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