Spinosaurus (Spinosaurus aegyptiacus) is a genus of theropod dinosaur belonging to the family Spinosauridae. It lived approximately 112 to 93 million years ago, primarily in what is now North Africa. The first fossils of Spinosaurus were discovered in Egypt in the early 20th century, with subsequent findings revealing more about this iconic predator.

Spinosaurus is renowned for its distinctive feature—a sail-like structure on its back formed by elongated neural spines that extended vertically from its vertebrae. The sail could reach impressive heights, potentially serving multiple functions such as thermoregulation, species recognition, or courtship display. Spinosaurus had a long and slender skull, filled with conical teeth adapted for capturing and consuming a variety of prey, including fish. It possessed powerful forelimbs with sharp claws, indicating adaptations for hunting and potentially grasping aquatic prey.

Spinosaurus inhabited a diverse range of environments, including river systems and coastal regions, during the Cretaceous period. Its sail may have played a role in regulating body temperature, with blood vessels within the sail assisting in heat exchange. The presence of strong forelimbs suggests that Spinosaurus was well adapted for both terrestrial and aquatic hunting, and it is believed to have included fish as a significant part of its diet. Its adaptations for life near water indicate a unique ecological niche among theropod dinosaurs.