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New Spinosaurus Species Discovered: 'Hell Heron' of the Past

3/1/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Paleontologists have named a new Spinosaurus species, Spinosaurus mirabilis, discovered in Niger's Sahara Desert.
The species lived 95 to 100 million years ago and hunted in shallow water.
Professor Paul Sereno described it as a “hell heron” that waded to hunt fish.
The fossils will be displayed at the Museum of the River in Niamey, Niger, with a replica at the Chicago Children's Museum.

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Story summary

Paleontologists have named a new Spinosaurus species, Spinosaurus mirabilis, discovered in Niger's Sahara Desert.
The species lived 95 to 100 million years ago and hunted in shallow water.
Professor Paul Sereno described it as a “hell heron” that waded to hunt fish.
The fossils will be displayed at the Museum of the River in Niamey, Niger, with a replica at the Chicago Children's Museum.