Cretaceous Carnivore Theropods

Spinosaurus aegyptiacus

Spinosaurus aegyptiacus

Pronunciation: [SPINE-oh-SORE-us ee-JIP-tee-AY-kus] Meaning: “Spine lizard of Egypt”

A colossal semi-aquatic predatory theropod equipped with a massive dorsal neural sail, crocodyliform snout, and paddle-like tail adapted for pursuing giant Cretaceous fish.

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Skeletal reconstruction mount of the semi-aquatic predator Spinosaurus aegyptiacus displayed in swimming pose at the National Geographic Museum.
Verified Museum Specimen
MSNM V4047 / FSAC-KK 11888 digital skeletal cast mount • National Geographic Museum exhibition / Milan Natural History Museum
Photo: Ryan Somma (CC BY 2.0) (CC BY 2.0) • Specimen Record ↗

Specimen Field Matrix

Empirical morphological and stratigraphical records
Geologic Period Cretaceous
Temporal Range Late Cretaceous, 99–93 Ma
Dietary Guild Carnivore
Taxonomic Clade Theropods
Total Length 15 m (49.2 ft)
Standing Height 4.5 m (14.8 ft)
Body Mass Estimate 7,500 kg (7.5 t / 16,535 lbs)
Locomotion Bipedal / Semi-aquatic
Fossil Localities Egypt, Morocco (Kem Kem Beds)
Stratigraphic Formations Bahariya Formation, Kem Kem Beds
Field Dispatch & Natural History

Paleontological Overview

A colossal semi-aquatic predatory theropod equipped with a massive dorsal neural sail, crocodyliform snout, and paddle-like tail adapted for pursuing giant Cretaceous fish.

Spinosaurus aegyptiacus was described from fossil material recovered in the Bahariya Formation, Kem Kem Beds.

Biomechanical Proportions

Human Scale Comparison

Proportional anatomical comparison between an average adult human (1.8 m / 5.9 ft) and Spinosaurus aegyptiacus (15 m / 49.2 ft length, 4.5 m / 14.8 ft standing height).

Ground Level (0.0 m) 1.8 m (5.9 ft) Length: 15 m (49.2 ft) 4.5 m height
Adult Human: 1.8 m (5.9 ft)
Spinosaurus aegyptiacus: 15 m (49.2 ft) length • 4.5 m (14.8 ft) standing height
Paleogeography & Stratigraphy

Where & When It Lived

Geographic Range & Habitat

Africa
Fossil Deposit Localities:
Egypt, Morocco (Kem Kem Beds)
Geological Formations:
Bahariya Formation, Kem Kem Beds

Fossil specimens of this species have been recovered from terrestrial floodplains, ancient river channels, and coastal sandstone facies deposited during continental rifting and tectonic reconfigurations.

Geologic Epoch & Chronology

Cretaceous Period Late Cretaceous, 99–93 Ma

Radiometric dating of volcanic ash layers (bentonite horizons) places this taxon between 99 and 93 million years before the present.

Visual Archives

Specimen & Life Restoration Gallery

Verified Museum Specimen MSNM V4047 / FSAC-KK 11888 digital skeletal cast mount
Biomechanical Profile National Geographic Museum exhibition / Milan Natural History Museum
Scientific Bibliography

Peer-Reviewed References & Institutional Literature

Monographs and peer-reviewed taxonomic papers for this record are compiled from international paleontological journals and museum collections.

Scientific data peer-reviewed and verified on March 25, 2026 • Dinosaurs Facts Paleontological Registry
Mesozoic Kinship

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