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Science & Nature • Paleontology

Spinosaurus

Spinosaurus was a large carnivorous dinosaur from Cretaceous North Africa, best known for its tall back spines that formed a sail-like structure.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Spinosaurus was a large carnivorous dinosaur from Cretaceous North Africa, best known for its tall back spines that formed a sail-like structure. It is widely interpreted as a semi-aquatic theropod adapted for hunting fish, though it may also have eaten other prey. Size estimates vary, but it is generally considered one of the longest known predatory dinosaurs.

Description

Spinosaurus was a theropod dinosaur known for its long skull, conical teeth, and tall back spines. These features are often linked to a lifestyle that involved hunting in and around water.

Diet

Evidence from the skull and teeth suggests that Spinosaurus mainly ate fish. Some sources also state that it may have eaten other dinosaurs or other terrestrial prey.

Size and anatomy

Spinosaurus is considered one of the longest known predatory dinosaurs, but estimates vary across studies. Its exact weight is debated because the skeleton is incomplete and reconstructions differ.

Habitat and lifestyle

Spinosaurus lived in what is now North Africa during the middle Cretaceous. Many researchers infer a semi-aquatic lifestyle based on its body shape and feeding adaptations.

Key facts

  • Spinosaurus was a meat-eating dinosaur from Africa.
  • Its jaws and teeth were adapted for catching fish.
  • Scientists think it may have lived partly in water.
  • It lived during the middle Cretaceous period.
  • It was longer than Tyrannosaurus rex in many estimates, though its mass is debated.
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Canadian context

Spinosaurus is of broad interest to Canadian museum visitors, students, and dinosaur enthusiasts; Canadian natural history institutions and science educators often use it to explain dinosaur diversity, evolution, and aquatic adaptations.

Frequently asked questions

What is a Spinosaurus?
Spinosaurus was a large meat-eating dinosaur from North Africa, known for its sail-like back spines and fish-eating adaptations.
How big was Spinosaurus?
Estimates vary, but many reconstructions place it at about 14 to 18 metres long, with weight estimates commonly around 6 to 9 metric tons.
Did Spinosaurus eat dinosaurs?
Possibly. Most evidence points to fish as its main food, but some sources say it may also have eaten smaller dinosaurs or other terrestrial prey.
When did Spinosaurus live?
Spinosaurus lived during the middle Cretaceous, roughly 100 to 95 million years ago.
Was Spinosaurus bigger than T-Rex?
It was likely longer than Tyrannosaurus rex in many estimates, but whether it was heavier is still debated.
What did Spinosaurus eat?
Spinosaurus mainly ate fish, and may also have eaten other aquatic animals and, occasionally, smaller land animals.

References

  1. Natural History Museum — https://www.nhm.ac.uk/discover/dino-directory/spinosaurus.html
    Supports: Diet, semi-aquatic lifestyle, African origin, fish-eating adaptations
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/animal/Spinosaurus
    Supports: Fish-catching skull and teeth, piscivory
  3. National Geographic Kids — https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/animals/prehistoric/facts/spinosaurus
    Supports: Preferred food, large size, North African context
  4. FossilEra — https://www.fossilera.com/pages/spinosaurus
    Supports: Length and weight estimates, mid-Cretaceous age
  5. Active Wild — https://www.activewild.com/spinosaurus-facts/
    Supports: Length estimates, mid-Cretaceous age, semi-aquatic lifestyle