Scientists have uncovered a truly bizarre dinosaur fossil in Morocco, revealing a creature unlike anything previously known to science. The species, named Spicomellus afer, lived around 165 million years ago during the Jurassic period and has been described as one of the strangest armored dinosaurs ever found.
A Dinosaur Covered in Spikes
Unlike most ankylosaurs, which are known for their heavy plating and club-like tails, Spicomellus carried its armor in a far more flamboyant style. Its ribs were fused with long, blade-like spikes, while its neck was ringed with enormous spines. Some of these protrusions were so exaggerated that researchers believe they would have made movement awkward—suggesting they may not have been purely defensive.
More Than Just Protection
The spikes likely had a dual purpose. While they certainly provided some defense against predators, scientists believe they may also have been used for display, courtship, or intimidation—similar to how deer use antlers or birds show off elaborate feathers. This mix of function and flair has earned the dinosaur the nickname of the “punk-rock dinosaur.”
Oldest Known Armored Dinosaur
The discovery is especially significant because Spicomellus is the earliest ankylosaur ever identified. Its unusual armor shows that elaborate body structures evolved surprisingly early in the group’s history. Later ankylosaurs streamlined their defenses into heavy armor plates and tail weapons, making this spiky design an evolutionary outlier.
From One Rib to a Whole Dinosaur
The species was first identified in 2021 from a single spiny rib. Since then, further excavations in Morocco’s Atlas Mountains have uncovered more bones, including parts of the pelvis, vertebrae, and additional armor. Together, these fossils revealed a four-meter-long, two-tonne dinosaur that combined brute strength with dramatic flair.
A Window Into Prehistoric Morocco
This discovery adds to Morocco’s growing reputation as a treasure trove for prehistoric fossils. The region has already yielded remains of giant marine reptiles and early mammals, and Spicomellus now highlights how diverse and unique the dinosaur population once was.
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