# Spinosaurus (*Spinosaurus aegyptiacus*)

Spinosaurus was a prehistoric dinosaur known for its distinctive features. Scientists study its bones to learn about how dinosaurs lived.

- **Category:** [Ancient](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/ancient)
- **Rarity:** Rare
- **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low
- **Habitat:** Mesozoic forests and floodplains
- **Also known as:** Spine Lizard, Spine Reptile

![Spinosaurus](https://res.cloudinary.com/drieglelr/image/upload/v1771424342/objects/5754.jpg)

## Appearance

The Spinosaurus is an enormous dinosaur distinguished by a massive sail-like structure on its back and a long, crocodile-like snout. Its skin was likely a blend of green, brown, and grey, possibly with darker patterns, helping it camouflage in lush riverine environments.

## Taxonomy

- **Kingdom:** Animalia

## Interesting facts

- Its unique teeth weren't for tearing meat, but perfect for gripping wiggling fish!
- Scientists think Spinosaurus spent most of its life actually swimming in rivers!
- Spinosaurus was bigger than T-Rex, making it the largest known carnivorous dinosaur!
- The first Spinosaurus bones were sadly destroyed during World War II!

## Special abilities

- **Aqua Hunter:** Spinosaurus has a long, narrow snout and conical teeth that help them snatch slippery fish from the water.
- **Sail Power:** Spinosaurus has a giant sail on its back that may have helped them regulate body temperature or attract mates.
- **River Prowler:** Spinosaurus can swim with powerful tail movements because its dense bones are adapted for aquatic life.

## Measurements & details

- **Length:** 14-18 m
- **Weight:** 7000-20000 kg
- **Era:** Cretaceous
- **Extinct Millions Years Ago:** 95

## Diet & Feeding

A mighty fish-eater, Spinosaurus hunted large aquatic prey with its powerful jaws and sharp claws.

- **Primary Foods:** Large fish, Sharks, Turtles, Crocodilians
- **Foraging Method:** Pursuit

## Ecological connections

- **Eats:** Giant Sawfish (*Onchopristis numidus*) — A massive sawfish, primary prey in its river habitat.
- **Eats:** [Coelacanth](https://www.snappit.app/explore/coelacanth) (*Mawsonia brasiliensis*) — Another large fish, offering a substantial meal for Spinosaurus.
- **Eats:** Flat-headed Crocodile (*Stomatosuchus inermis*) — Juvenile crocodilians were likely part of its varied diet.

## Traits

- [Ancient](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/ancient): Ancient refers to organisms, objects, or geological formations that have existed for an extremely long period.
- [Artifact](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/artifact): An artifact is an object made or modified by human culture, typically of historical or archaeological interest.
- [Fossil](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/fossil): A fossil is the preserved remains or traces of an ancient organism embedded in rock or other geological deposits.

## Collections

- [Ancient](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/ancient)

## Safety

**Danger:** 1/5 · Very low

While extremely dangerous in their time, this creature is now extinct.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### How to identify Spinosaurus?

Compare skull shape, horns, plates, limbs, posture and tail. Museum models and toys can mix features or follow outdated reconstructions. Dinosaur Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details.

### How long is Spinosaurus?

14-18 m

### How much does Spinosaurus weigh?

7000-20000 kg

### What does Spinosaurus eat?

A mighty fish-eater, Spinosaurus hunted large aquatic prey with its powerful jaws and sharp claws.

### Where is Spinosaurus usually found?

Mesozoic forests and floodplains

### How does Spinosaurus hunt?

Pursuit

### What geologic era did Spinosaurus live in?

Cretaceous

### When did Spinosaurus go extinct?

95

## More Ancient

- [Tyrannosaurus rex](https://www.snappit.app/explore/tyrannosaurus-rex) (*Tyrannosaurus rex*)
- [Triceratops](https://www.snappit.app/explore/triceratops) (*Triceratops horridus*)
- [Stegosaurus](https://www.snappit.app/explore/stegosaurus) (*Stegosaurus stenops*)
- [Brachiosaurus](https://www.snappit.app/explore/brachiosaurus) (*Brachiosaurus altithorax*)

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Source: [Spinosaurus: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/spinosaurus)