Who / What
Spinosaurus mirabilis is an extinct species of the large spinosaurid theropod dinosaur Spinosaurus.
It was named and described in 2026, based on cranial and postcranial bones from two localities in the Late Cretaceous Farak Formation of Niger.
Background & History
Spinosaurus mirabilis was formally identified in 2026 after paleontologists collected specimens from Niger’s Farak Formation.
The species is characterized by a long, low snout, a scimitar‑shaped midline crest on the top of the skull, and a large sail over the back.
Its discovery extended the known diversity of spinosaurid theropods in the Late Cretaceous of Africa.
Why Notable
The species added to the understanding of spinosaurid morphology and ecology, particularly the evolution of crest and sail structures.
Its unique combination of features makes it a key specimen for studying the variability within the Spinosaurus genus.
The 2026 description highlighted advances in fossil preparation and descriptive techniques for large theropods.
In the News
Recent studies published in 2026 have examined the biomechanics of Spinosaurus mirabilis’s sail.
The species continues to attract interest because of its distinctive cranial crest and implications for dinosaurian display behavior.
It remains a focal point for discussions about spinosaur adaptations to aquatic environments.
