'So weird': Ankylosaur with 3-foot spikes sticking out of its neck discovered in Morocco

An artistic reconstruction of the Spicomellus after, whose skeleton was covered in spikes, some fused to the animal’s skeleton, measuring as much as a metre long.

A fossil ankylosaur discovered in the mountains of Morocco in 2023 was adorned with some of the most frightening armor ever seen.

Researchers suggest that this intimidating array of spikes was sexually selected — like a peacock's tail, it originally evolved to attract mates, rather than to deter predators. By supporting this cumbersome display, the dinosaur, named Spicomellus afer, demonstrated that it was a healthy and worthy partner.