Newly discovered dinosaur species was a fish-eater with a huge horn

Published: Monday, February 23, 2026 at 1:10 am

New Dinosaur Species Uncovered: A Fish-Eating Giant with a Unique Horn

Scientists have announced the discovery of a new species of Spinosaurus dinosaur, a large, fish-eating predator, marking the first such find in over a century. The newly identified species, named *Spinosaurus mirabilis*, roamed the Earth approximately 95 million years ago during the Cretaceous period. The dinosaur, estimated to be the length of a school bus, was unearthed by an international team of paleontologists.

The discovery, detailed in the journal *Science*, indicates that *Spinosaurus mirabilis* inhabited a marshy, inland environment, specifically in what is now the central Sahara. Researchers believe the dinosaur, much like modern herons, hunted for fish in shallow waters. The environment at the time was characterized by rivers teeming with large fish, providing ample sustenance for the predator.

A key distinguishing feature of *Spinosaurus mirabilis* is a prominent, foot-long curved horn or crest protruding from its skull. Scientists speculate that this crest, potentially brightly colored, served a communicative or display purpose, possibly to attract mates or signal to other members of the species. The initial fossil of the crest was discovered in 2019, with further specimens found at the same site in 2022.

The findings add to the ongoing scientific debate surrounding the aquatic adaptations of Spinosaurus. While some research suggests that previously identified Spinosaurus species were powerful swimmers, the new evidence suggests that *Spinosaurus mirabilis* may have been less adapted to deep water, thriving instead in shallower environments.

BNN's Perspective: The discovery of *Spinosaurus mirabilis* offers a fascinating glimpse into the prehistoric world. The ongoing research into the Spinosaurus species highlights the dynamic nature of scientific understanding, as new findings continue to refine our understanding of these ancient creatures and their environments. The debate over their aquatic capabilities underscores the complexity of paleontology and the importance of continued exploration and analysis.

Keywords: dinosaur, Spinosaurus, Spinosaurus mirabilis, fish-eater, Cretaceous period, horn, crest, paleontology, Sahara, fossils, new species, predator, aquatic, shallow water, Niger, University of Chicago

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