Siamosaurus is an interesting dinosaur that lived during the Early Cretaceous period, around 129 to 113 million years ago. It was discovered in what is now Thailand, making it the first spinosaurid found in Asia.
The name Siamosaurus means “Siam lizard.” This dinosaur is primarily known from its teeth, found in two places: the Sao Khua Formation and the Khok Kruat Formation. The only known species is Siamosaurus suteethorni, named in honor of a Thai paleontologist named Varavudh Suteethorn.
Siamosaurus’s exact size is not very clear since we only have its teeth to study. Scientists estimate it could have been between 5.1 to 9.1 meters long, which is roughly the length of a school bus. The teeth of Siamosaurus were straight, rounded, and had grooves, similar to those of another spinosaurid dinosaur called Baryonyx.
As a spinosaurid, Siamosaurus likely had a long, narrow snout and strong arms, perfect for catching prey. One unique feature of some spinosaurids is a sail-like structure along their backs, and there are hints that Siamosaurus might have had one too.
However, some scientists have been cautious about fully recognizing Siamosaurus as its own species. They argue that its teeth look a lot like those of other early spinosaurids, making it hard to tell them apart. Some even think that Siamosaurus might not be a dinosaur at all.
Siamosaurus was likely a fish-eater. Its teeth were not jagged but rather suited for grabbing and holding slippery fish. Evidence suggests it may have also hunted small dinosaurs and scavenged remains of larger dinosaurs. Fossils show that Siamosaurus lived in a semi-arid environment filled with floodplains and rivers, sharing its habitat with various dinosaurs, pterosaurs, and aquatic animals.
The discovery of Siamosaurus is part of a broader research journey, helping paleontologists understand how dinosaurs like this one lived and interacted with their environment. Since its naming in 1986, there has been continued interest in Siamosaurus as more fossils and research emerge. As such, Siamosaurus serves as an exciting piece in the great puzzle of dinosaur history.