Scimitar-Crested Spinosaurus Discovered in Sahara

Paleontologists amazed by new dinosaur species found hundreds of miles from ancient coastline.

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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Researchers have discovered the fossilized remains of a new species of Spinosaurus dinosaur, named S. mirabilis, in the central Sahara desert of Niger. The dinosaur had a distinctive scimitar-shaped crest on its head, measuring up to 12 inches long, which was likely brightly colored and sheathed in keratin. The discovery is significant as previous Spinosaurus fossils had only been found along former coastlines, leading experts to believe they were fully aquatic. However, the new S. mirabilis specimen was found hundreds of miles from the ancient shoreline, suggesting the species was able to venture inland and wade into shallower waters.

Why it matters

The discovery of S. mirabilis challenges previous assumptions about Spinosaurus and provides new insights into the evolution and behavior of this group of theropod dinosaurs. The find also highlights the potential for important paleontological discoveries in overlooked or underexplored regions, like the central Sahara.

The details

The S. mirabilis fossils were first discovered in 2019, but it wasn't until 2022 when a larger research team returned to the site in Niger that the significance of the find was fully realized. The dinosaur's distinctive scimitar-shaped crest, which is believed to have been brightly colored, sets it apart from other known Spinosaurus species. Researchers also noted the dinosaur's skull had interlocking rows of upper and lower teeth, likely adapted for catching fish. The discovery that S. mirabilis lived hundreds of miles from the ancient coastline challenges the prevailing view that Spinosaurus were fully aquatic.

  • The fossils were first discovered in 2019.
  • The research team returned to the site in Niger in 2022 with a larger team.
  • The discovery has now been featured on the cover of the journal Science.

The players

Paul Sereno

A paleontologist at the University of Chicago who led the 20-person team that made the discovery.

Spinosaurus mirabilis

The newly discovered species of Spinosaurus dinosaur, named for its distinctive scimitar-shaped crest.

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What they’re saying

“I'll forever cherish the moment in camp when we crowded around a laptop to look at the new species for the first time, after one member of our team generated 3D digital models of the bones we found to assemble the skull—on solar power in the middle of the Sahara. That's when the significance of the discovery really registered.”

— Paul Sereno, Paleontologist, University of Chicago (Newsweek)

What’s next

The team has prepared a replica of the Spinosaurus mirabilis skull to feature at the Dinosaur Expedition exhibit at the Chicago Children's Museum.

The takeaway

The discovery of Spinosaurus mirabilis in the central Sahara, far from ancient coastlines, challenges previous assumptions about the habitat and behavior of these theropod dinosaurs. It highlights the potential for important paleontological finds in underexplored regions and the value of persistent exploration and research.