New dinosaur discovered in Sahara desert was a horned ‘hell heron’
Andrew Paul
created: Feb. 19, 2026, 7 p.m. | updated: Feb. 23, 2026, 1:21 a.m.
Paleontologists still know comparatively little about fin-backed Spinosaurid dinosaurs.
But while the newest addition to the family is impressive, Spinosaurus mirabilis isn’t making it easier for researchers.
New scimitar-crested Spinosaurus species from the SaharaS. mirabilis stands apart from its relatives due to where paleontologists discovered their specimen.
They also contend S. mirabilis finally puts to rest the theory that Spinosaurus primarily lived and hunted in marine environments.
Aside from the location of its discovery, S. mirabilis is the first dinosaur known to possess an interdigitating piscivorous (or “fish trap”) mouth.
3 days, 6 hours ago: Popular Science