It shares several cranial features with Rugops, another basal abelisaurid, indicating a similar position on the evolutionary tree.

More derived taxa possessed adaptations that allowed for a broader chamber for the lower jaw muscles, but Spectrovenator lacked these.

These are: the posterior ramus of the maxilla is ornamented with vertically oriented grooves except for the smooth region in front of the maxilla-jugal suture; the lateral surface of the lacrimal is rugose except in the ventral section; a ventrally bowed posterior process of the jugal; a nuchal crest with a thin and smooth dorsal margin; a straight ventral margin of dentaries (part of the lower jaw) with a deep sulcus on the lateral surface; the dorsal margin of the surangular is slightly convex; and a longitudinal ridge along the posteroventral end of the mandibular ramus.

[1] In addition to these unique traits, Spectrovenator also preserves a transversely concave nasal and a row of large foramina on the skull roof.

[1]Eoabelisaurus Spectrovenator Rugops Arcovenator Rajasaurus Majungasaurus Indosaurus Abelisaurus Skorpiovenator Ekrixinatosaurus Ilokelesia Dahalokely Carnotaurus Aucasaurus Rahiolisaurus