Lesser known relatives of the infamous Spinosaurus: An outlook at the members of Spinosauridae

Spinosaurus aegyptiacus is quite a popular name among dinosaur enthusiasts. However, a majority of it's equally fascinating relatives are still deprived of attention, this post focuses on said lesser known members of the family.

Spinosaurus was related to quite a few genuses, sharing morphological and to some extent behavioral traits (to a certain extent) all across the board.

These genuses include:

•Ostafrikasaurus•

Known to contain one confirmed species called Ostafrikasaurus crassiserratus, a spinosaurid theropod unearthed in southeastern Tanzania.

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•Baryonychinae•

This one houses three separate genuses

Baryonyx

The species within this genus Baryonyx walkeri has the most well preserved and complete spinosaurud holotype till date and also has a rather cool name meaning "heavy claw" that justifies the animal's very large claw on the first finger.

Cristatusaurus

This genus was a baryonychine member of the Spinosauridae, and the type species Cristatusaurus lapparenti is renowned for its rather elaborate (for a spinosauridae) sagittal crest on top of its snout and very crocodilian like features.

Suchomimus

Another big name among the spinosauridae, suchomimus or the “crocodile mimic” is a genus of spinosaurid theropod dinosaur that was discovered somewhere in what is now Niger. The species within this genus, Suchomimus tenerensis alludes to the locality of its first remains, the Ténéré Desert. Strangely enough, there was this sort confusion among these paleontologists who tried to classify suchomimus as the European version of the baryonyx or something.

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•Spinosaurinae•

Housing four separate genuses i.e

Ichthyovenator

The “fish hunter” from Laos, likely from the Aptian stage (113–125 million years ago), is known from fossils collected in the Grès supérieurs Formation. Like other members of its family, it had the signature elongated neural spines forming a sail on its back, although Ichthyovenator's was unusual due to its particular wave-like curvature and being split in two over the hips which created a rather weird looking sail.

Irritator

Another strangely named genus of spinosaurid theropod from Brazil which thrived during the Albian stage of the Early Cretaceous Period, was rather broken and incomplete with fragmented pieces too diffucult to deal with, some say it was even altered for god knows what reason. The holotype of the type species is called Irritator challengeri.

Oxalaia

Another genus from Brazil, dated back to somewhere during the Cenomanian stage of the Late Cretaceous Period. Its only known fossils were found on Cajual Island in the rocks of the Alcântara Formation, which seems to be the hub of spinosaurid theropods. The genus contains one species, Oxalaia quilombensis.

Siamosaurus

This time, its Thailand. The animal is a tooth taxon and therefore details on its size or classification are rather uncertain. The type species, Siamosaurus suteethorni has teeth that closely resemble those of Spinosaurus. Likely a primary fish eater.

Vallibonavenatrix cani

Dubbed "The Valibona Huntress" is a fairly decent sized spinosaurid theropod uncovered in Spain. The specimen exhibits a slightly different body plan compared to Baryonyx, despite nearly similar sizes. Moderately high dorsal spines and abundant pneumaticity point towards a closer relation to the Gondwanan Spinosaurines.

Angaturama limai

Angaturama is a rather newly described Brazilian addition to list that has been assigned the designation of species, although there is still some vagueness. This particular spinosaur was diagnosed by the very strong lateral compression of the snout, and a thin sagittal crest on top of the premaxillae. Furthermore, a pterosaur fossil was recovered with an Angaturama tooth embedded in it, pointing to possible predation.

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This concludes our list for the time being, hopefully with more additions to on the way. 

Spinosauridae is a truly intriguing family indeed. The sense of fascination definitely explains the intense obsession harboured by young enthusiasts including myself.