New fossils may settle debate over mysterious sail-backed spinosaurs
New Scientist
February 19, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
New fossils of a previously unknown spinosaur species, Spinosaurus mirabilis, are reshaping our understanding of these enigmatic dinosaurs. Long debated among paleontologists, the question of whether spinosaurs were skilled swimmers or more akin to large, wading birds appears to have been settled by this discovery. Found 1,000 kilometers inland in Niger, the fossils suggest that Spinosaurus mirabilis was a formidable predator adapted to life near rivers and shallow waters rather than deep marine environments.
The spinosaur family has always puzzled researchers due to its unique combination of traits: a large sail-backed ridge, massive claws, and crocodile-like jaws. While some theories have suggested these creatures were semi-aquatic swimmers or even divers, the new findings align more closely with modern waders like herons. Spinosaurus mirabilis, which lived around 95 million years ago, grew up to 14 meters long and featured an unusually large crest on its skull, likely used for display purposes rather than combat. This crest, possibly covered in a bright keratin sheath, would have stood at least 50 centimeters tall on larger individuals—far too delicate to serve as a weapon.
The discovery also challenges the notion that large predators could thrive in freshwater environments. Unlike marine mammals like orcas, which remain fully aquatic, Spinosaurus mirabilis appears to have adapted to life along rivers and wetlands. Its broad feet and long limbs suggest it was built for wading rather than swimming, while its powerful jaws and teeth indicate a diet of large fish. This aligns with the behavior of modern herons, which often hunt in similar environments using stealth and display behaviors.
The study adds significant weight to the growing consensus that spinosaurs were not deep-diving swimmers but instead specialized in hunting along riverbanks and shallow waters. Their crests and sails likely played a key role in territorial disputes and courtship displays, much like modern herons. This new perspective on their ecology helps fill gaps in
Verticals
science
Originally published on New Scientist on 2/19/2026