Kentrosaurus
Order: Ornithischia · Suborder: Thyreophora · Infraorder: Stegosauria · Family: Stegosauridae
Kentrosaurus was discovered in Tanzania. A stegosaurid, it had paired plates that ran through the middle of its back. At mid back, the plates were replaced by spikes that ran to the tip ofits tail. Another pair of spikes jutted horizontally from its shoulders. Its feet were marked by claws that were more hoof-like than spiked. Males and females appear to have had differing numbers of ribs.
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Reference background: Natural History Museum, London — Dinosaurs; Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History — Dinosaurs; American Museum of Natural History — Dinosaurs & Fossils. Figures are typical published ranges; taxonomy follows the source era and modern consensus is noted where it differs. See our sources & fact-check policy.
Frequently asked questions
What does Kentrosaurus mean?
The name Kentrosaurus means “Spiked Lizard”. It is pronounced KEN-truh-SAWR-us.
When did Kentrosaurus live?
Kentrosaurus lived during the Late Jurassic.
Was Kentrosaurus a carnivore or a herbivore?
Kentrosaurus was a herbivore.
How big was Kentrosaurus?
Kentrosaurus was about 18 feet (5.5 meters) long, around 6 feet (1.8 meters) tall, weighing up to 4,000 pounds (1,814 kg).
Related dinosaurs
Other dinosaurs from the Stegosauridae family.
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