Spinosaurus, also known as the “Spined Lizard”, is a species that lived during the Upper Cretaceous epoch in what is today North Africa, some 106 to 93.5 million years ago. This animal had conspicuous spikes along his spine (at least 1.69 metres long) that were probably connected with his skin to form a sail-like structure. Some researchers think that these were surrounded by muscle, to form a lengthy hump. The function of this structure is unclear; some scientists suggest it was for heat regulation and display. According to the most recent estimates, Spinosaurus reached nearly 18 metres in length and weighed up to 9 tons. This makes him the largest known carnivorous dinosaur, even bigger than other huge theropods such as Tyrannosaurus and Giganotosaurus.
This reconstruction by Bullyland was released in 2012, and features an articulated jaw that can be open and shut.
