Where was Kentrosaurus discovered?

Kentrosaurus fossils were discovered in the Tendaguru Formation of Tanzania, Africa, in the early 20th century by German paleontologists. The site is one of the richest Jurassic fossil beds in the world.

What does the name Kentrosaurus mean?

The name Kentrosaurus means 'spiked lizard,' referring to the rows of sharp spikes and plates that covered its back and tail for defense.

When did Kentrosaurus live?

Kentrosaurus lived during the Late Jurassic period, approximately 155 million years ago, in what is now eastern Africa.

How did Kentrosaurus defend itself?

Kentrosaurus used the sharp spikes on its tail, called a thagomizer, to defend itself from predators. Its back plates and spikes also provided protection and may have been used for display.

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Dinosaurs: Kentrosaurus (Pointed Lizard)

Q: What is Kentrosaurus?

Kentrosaurus was a small, armored herbivorous dinosaur that lived during the Late Jurassic period, about 155 million years ago. It was a member of the stegosaur family, closely related to Stegosaurus.

Q: How big was Kentrosaurus?

Kentrosaurus was about 4.5 meters (15 feet) long and weighed around 1 metric ton. It was smaller and more lightly built than its relative, Stegosaurus.

Q: What did Kentrosaurus eat?

Kentrosaurus was an herbivore that fed on low-growing plants such as ferns and cycads. Its small head and beak-like mouth were adapted for cropping vegetation close to the ground.

Last updated: 28th Oct 2025

What is a Kentrosaurus?

Kentrosaurus was a remarkable, spiky dinosaur that lived during the Late Jurassic Period, about 155 million years ago, in what is now Tanzania, Africa. It is best known for the impressive double row of long, sharp spikes and plates running along its back and tail. Although it looked fierce, Kentrosaurus was a gentle plant-eater that relied on its armour for protection.

How big was Kentrosaurus?

Kentrosaurus was a medium-sized member of the stegosaur family. It could grow up to 4.5 metres (15 feet) long from nose to tail and stood about 1.5 metres (5 feet) tall at the hips. Weighing around 1 tonne (about as much as a small car), Kentrosaurus was smaller than its famous relative, Stegosaurus, but still quite impressive!

Appearance

Kentrosaurus had a small head, a long neck, and a bulky, barrel-shaped body. Its most striking feature was the double row of plates and spikes: the plates started at its neck and became long, sharp spikes towards its tail. The tail ended with several giant spikes that could be swung at predators. Kentrosaurus walked on four sturdy legs, with its back legs much longer than the front ones.

A realistic rendering of a Kentrosaurus dinosaur in a forest setting. It’s surrounded by tall trees next to a river and the ground is covered with broken branches. Sunlight filters through the trees, casting an ethereal glow on the scene.

Kentrosaurus

Generative AI Notiﬁcation: Some elements of this image have been created or enhanced using AI technology. To find out how we create all our dinosaurs, click here.

What did Kentrosaurus eat?

Kentrosaurus was a plant-eater (herbivore). Scientists believe it used its small, beaked mouth to nibble on low-growing plants, ferns, and cycads. Its teeth were shaped for cropping and chewing tough vegetation close to the ground.

Where did Kentrosaurus live?

Fossils of Kentrosaurus have been found in Tanzania, which during the Jurassic was a lush, tropical environment filled with giant ferns, cycads, and other prehistoric plants. Kentrosaurus probably roamed in herds, grazing on vegetation and keeping a watchful eye out for predators.

Interesting Facts

Spiky tail: Kentrosaurus’s tail spikes could have been swung like a club to keep predators away.
Plate and spike combo: Unlike Stegosaurus, Kentrosaurus had more spikes than plates on its back.
Fossil finds: The first Kentrosaurus fossils were discovered in Tanzania in 1915.
Herding behaviour: Scientists think Kentrosaurus may have lived in groups for extra protection.

A realistic rendering of a Kentrosaurus dinosaur on a white background.

Image showing a size comparison between an adult Kentrosaurus dinosaur (right) versus a human adult (left).

Kentrosaurus Facts

Pronounced: ken-TROH-sore-us

Name Means: "Pointed Lizard"

Length: up to 4.5 m (15 feet)

Height: up to 1.5 m (5 feet) at the hips

Weight: about 1,000 kilograms (1 tonne)

Diet: Herbivore (plants)

Time: Late Jurassic (about 155 million years ago)

Fossils Found: Africa (Tanzania)

Which family of Dinosaurs did Kentrosaurus belong to?

Kentrosaurus was part of the Stegosauridae family, a group of plant-eating dinosaurs famous for their rows of plates and tail spikes. Its closest relative is Stegosaurus, but Kentrosaurus was smaller and had more spikes than plates.

What other dinosaurs lived at the same time as Kentrosaurus?

During the Late Jurassic Period, Kentrosaurus lived alongside many other dinosaurs and prehistoric animals in Africa, such as:

Giraffatitan: One of the largest sauropods, towering over Kentrosaurus as it ate from treetops.
Allosaurus: A fierce meat-eating dinosaur that may have tried to hunt Kentrosaurus.
Elaphrosaurus: A fast, slender predator that shared the same environment.
Dryosaurus: A small, quick herbivore that foraged for low plants.
Dysalotosaurus: Another plant-eater that could have formed herds with Kentrosaurus.

Kentrosaurus FAQ

Q1: What is a Kentrosaurus?

A1: Kentrosaurus was a large, plant-eating dinosaur that lived during the Late Jurassic period, around 150 million years ago. It is known for its distinctive back plates and spiked tail.

Q2: What does Kentrosaurus mean?

A2: Kentrosaurus means "Pointed lizard", named for its sharp spikes.

Q3: Was Kentrosaurus a carnivore?

A3: No, Kentrosaurus was a plant-eater (herbivore).

Q4: How big were Kentrosaurus’ spikes?

A4: Some of Kentrosaurus’ tail spikes could grow up to 70 cm (over 2 feet) long!

Q5: Did Kentrosaurus have plates as well as spikes?

A5: Yes, Kentrosaurus had small plates on its neck and back, but many more spikes along its sides and tail.

Q6: Where did Kentrosaurus live?

A6: Kentrosaurus lived in what is now Tanzania, Africa.

Q7: Was Kentrosaurus fast?

A7: No, Kentrosaurus was a slow-moving dinosaur.

Q8: Did Kentrosaurus use its spikes for defence?

A8: Kentrosaurus’ tail spikes (also called a "thagomizer") could have been swung at predators for defence.

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