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New Dinosaur Species Discovered in Sahara: Spinosaurus Mirabilis

2/20/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Paleontologists have discovered a new dinosaur species, Spinosaurus mirabilis, in Niger's Sahara Desert.
The creature measures about 40 feet long and weighs up to 7 tons.
It lived around 95 million years ago and features a scimitar-shaped crest.
Findings published in Science indicate it had specialized teeth for catching fish and was a shallow-water predator.
The expedition was led by paleontologist Paul Sereno, who plans museums in Niger.

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Story summary

Paleontologists have discovered a new dinosaur species, Spinosaurus mirabilis, in Niger's Sahara Desert.
The creature measures about 40 feet long and weighs up to 7 tons.
It lived around 95 million years ago and features a scimitar-shaped crest.
Findings published in Science indicate it had specialized teeth for catching fish and was a shallow-water predator.
The expedition was led by paleontologist Paul Sereno, who plans museums in Niger.