5″ Genuine Spinosaurus Dinosaur Tooth Fossil Kem Kem Beds Morocco Cretaceous

Description

Authentic Spinosaurus aegyptiacus Tooth from the Kem Kem Basin

This exceptional 5″ genuine Spinosaurus dinosaur tooth fossil originates from the Tegana Formation within the Kem Kem Beds of southeastern Morocco. Dating to the Aptian Stage of the Early Cretaceous Period, approximately 125–113 million years ago, this impressive specimen belonged to Spinosaurus aegyptiacus, the largest known carnivorous dinosaur ever discovered. With its elongated skull, conical teeth, and sail-like dorsal spines, Spinosaurus was an apex predator uniquely adapted to both aquatic and terrestrial environments. This fossil provides a rare opportunity to own an authentic piece of one of prehistory’s most remarkable predators.

Geological Context – Tegana Formation, Aptian Stage

The Tegana Formation is part of the famous Kem Kem Group, a sequence of sedimentary deposits extending across southeastern Morocco and western Algeria. Composed primarily of cross-bedded sandstones, iron-rich clays, and siltstones, these strata were formed in vast river and delta systems that once drained into the ancient Tethys Sea. The region’s intense red hue is due to hematite mineralisation, which also played a role in preserving fossil material through natural iron replacement. During the Early Cretaceous, the Kem Kem Basin was a lush floodplain ecosystem, dominated by braided rivers and freshwater lakes teeming with life. The fossil record here includes an extraordinary array of vertebrates, such as Carcharodontosaurus, Deltadromeus, Onchopristis, and Mawsonia—making it one of the most fossiliferous localities in Africa. The environmental setting suggests a fluvial depositional regime where organic remains were quickly buried, allowing for exceptional preservation of bones and teeth.

Species Information – Spinosaurus aegyptiacus

Spinosaurus aegyptiacus was a giant theropod dinosaur belonging to the family Spinosauridae, within the order Theropoda. It could exceed 15 metres in length, out-sizing even Tyrannosaurus rex. Unlike most theropods, Spinosaurus had a skull shaped like that of a crocodile, lined with conical, unserrated teeth perfectly adapted for gripping fish and aquatic prey. The teeth often exhibit longitudinal ridges along the enamel and a smooth, glossy surface—features clearly visible in this specimen. These adaptations, combined with strong forelimbs and dense limb bones, indicate a semi-aquatic lifestyle. Fossil evidence suggests that Spinosaurus hunted large fish such as Onchopristis and other river-dwelling species, positioning it as a top predator within its ecosystem. Its enormous sail, formed by extended neural spines along the back, may have served for display, thermoregulation, or species recognition.

Scientific and Historical Importance

Spinosaurus aegyptiacus was first described in 1915 by German paleontologist Ernst Stromer based on fossils from Egypt’s Bahariya Formation. Although Stromer’s original collection was destroyed during World War II, subsequent discoveries in Morocco’s Kem Kem Beds have greatly expanded our understanding of this extraordinary dinosaur. Recent research led by Dr. Nizar Ibrahim and colleagues has shown that Spinosaurus was the first known dinosaur adapted for aquatic locomotion, with a tail built for swimming and limb proportions suited for a partially submerged lifestyle. Teeth like this one have been central to identifying feeding habits, growth patterns, and evolutionary adaptations within Spinosauridae. The fossil record from the Kem Kem Beds has also revealed that Spinosaurus shared its environment with several other large predators, illustrating a complex and dynamic ecosystem unlike any other in the fossil record.

Preservation, Authenticity, and Display

This genuine Spinosaurus tooth fossil measures approximately 5 inches in length and displays the hallmark features of the species—smooth conical form, natural curvature, and vertical enamel ridges. The coloration ranges from rich reddish-brown to dark ochre, a result of iron oxide mineralisation within the Tegana sediments. The fossil has been professionally cleaned and stabilised to preserve its integrity while retaining its natural texture and lustre. No artificial reconstruction or colouring has been applied. The accompanying photograph shows the exact fossil you will receive, with a 1 cm scale cube included for accurate size reference.

Each specimen is hand-selected for quality, scientific significance, and visual appeal. It serves as an extraordinary addition to any fossil collection or educational display, embodying both geological beauty and evolutionary history.

All of our Fossils are 100% Genuine Specimens and come with a Certificate of Authenticity.

Scale Rule Squares / Cube = 1 cm. Full sizing details are shown in the photo. The specimen pictured is the exact fossil you will receive, professionally chosen for its authenticity and remarkable preservation.