In 2019, paleontologists unearthed a large, scimitar-shaped bone from the desolate sands of the central Sahara. Initially, its significance wasn’t clear, but further investigation revealed a remarkable discovery that is reshaping our understanding of dinosaur evolution.
After a return expedition, researchers identified two crests belonging to a previously unknown species. This finding, announced in February 2026, marks the first new spinosaurid species discovered in over a century.
In the middle of the desert in Niger, experts assembled a 3D digital skull using solar-powered technology. University of Chicago Professor Paul Sereno, who led the 20-person research group, was stunned by the results.
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“This find was so sudden and amazing, it was really emotional for our team,” said Sereno. “I’ll forever cherish the moment in camp when we crowded around a laptop to look at the new species for the first time.”
The team formally named the species Spinosaurus mirabilis, adding a crucial piece to the evolutionary puzzle of these large predators.
A New Fish-Eating Dinosaur Unearthed in the Sahara
Spinosaurus mirabilis was a large predator adapted for a fish-based diet. The skull features a prominent crest, believed to have been covered in keratin and brightly colored during the animal’s life. This crest curved skyward, potentially serving as a visual signal.
Another distinctive feature is the interlocking teeth, where lower jaw teeth protruded between those of the upper jaw, creating a specialized trap for catching slippery fish. This adaptation is also seen in other fish-eating creatures like ichthyosaurs, crocodiles, and pterosaurs. The discovery challenges previous assumptions about spinosaurid habitats, as most fossils have been found near ancient coastlines.
Previously, spinosaurid fossils were largely found in coastal sediment, leading some scientists to hypothesize these theropods were primarily aquatic. However, the location of S. Mirabilis is surprising, as it was discovered inland, near the partial skeleton of a long-necked dinosaur buried in river sediment. This suggests S. Mirabilis thrived in a forested, riverine habitat.
“I imagine this dinosaur as a sort of ‘hell-heron’ that wouldn’t have had trouble wading in two meters of water on its sturdy legs, but likely spent much of its time lurking in shallow waters to ambush the large fish of the time,” Sereno explained.
A Long Journey to Discover S. Mirabilis
Sereno’s expedition was inspired by a single sentence in a 1950s monograph by a French geologist, who reported finding a saber-shaped fossilized tooth in the western Egyptian desert. Remarkably, no one had returned to the site for over 70 years until Sereno’s team arrived.
Upon reaching the area, the team met a local Tuareg man who guided them to a remote part of the Sahara where he had previously observed large fossil bones. There, they uncovered teeth and jaw fragments belonging to the new Spinosaurus species. Sereno has spent the last 30 years excavating over 100 tons of fossils and initiated the creation of the world’s first zero-energy museum, the Museum of the River, in Nigeria’s capital, which documents Africa’s lost dinosaurs.
The fossils were then transported to the South Side Fossil Lab at Washington Park, where they were cleaned, CT-scanned, and digitally reconstructed for research. Paleoartist Dani Navarro, based in Madrid, collaborated with Sereno to create a detailed reconstruction of S. Mirabilis, including a life-sized, 3D model with a vibrant crest.
A Global Discovery
The findings were published in the journal Science on February 19, 2026, under the title “Scimitar-crested Spinosaurus species from the Sahara caps stepwise spinosaurid radiation.” A replica of the S. Mirabilis skull, complete with a colorful crest, will be displayed at the Dinosaur Expedition exhibit at the Chicago Children’s Museum. The researchers hope to inspire the next generation of scientists through this exhibit.
“Letting children experience the thrill of new discoveries is key to ensuring the next generation of scientists will find out more about our precious planet and worthy of preservation,” Sereno stated. This discovery provides valuable insights into the evolution and behavior of spinosaurids, offering a new perspective on these fascinating prehistoric creatures.
(det/twu)
