Putting Laos on the Palaeontology Map with Ichthyovenator
CollectA have announced the third of their new prehistoric animal models for 2014 and fans of the spinosaurs are not going to be disappointed. The company is committed to producing models of more unusual theropods and the planned introduction of Ichthyovenator (I. laosensis) in 2014 will certainly cement CollectA as being a pioneering dinosaur model maker as this dinosaur was only formally named and described in 2012.
Ichthyovenator Model
New for 2014 Ichthyovenator Model from CollectA
“Fish Hunter” from Laos.
Picture credit: CollectA/Everything Dinosaur
This dinosaur is known from fragmentary remains that were discovered in Laos in 2010. Fossil bones include vertebrae, a partial rib, plus elements of the hip area. All the fossil material represents post cranial material, no skull fossils were found. The striking thing about this basal spinosaurid, currently assigned to the Baryonchidae is that it may have had two sails, running down its spine. One sail seems to conclude at the first sacral vertebrae (back bones above the hip), the second starting from the second sacral vertebrae.
Due for Release in 2014
CollectA have depicted this feature in their new Ichthyovenator model, due for release in 2014, the skull is modelled on Suchomimus as is the dentition. The dermal scutes and crocodilian appearance of the tail, the proportions of the limb bones are speculative, once again based on better known members of the spinosaurid group.
Although the fossil material represents less than 15% of the entire skeleton, when the specimen was discovered in 2010 it represented the most complete spinosaur specimen yet to be found in Asia. The strata from which the fossils were excavated dates from the Aptian faunal stage of the Cretaceous (125 million to 112 million years ago). The spinosaurids were thus a very widely distributed group with fossil specimens having been found in Europe, South America, Africa and potentially Australia.
To read about the evidence of spinosaurids in Australia: Australia’s First Spinosaur?
Barremian Spinosaurids
Trouble is, we have evidence of Barremian spinosaurids (Baryonyx walkeri) from Europe, then we have Aptian spinosaurid fauna the likes of Suchomimus tenerensis and Ichthyovenator laosensis and then later spinosaurids such as Irritator (I. challengeri) and of course Spinosaurus itself (potentially two species), but nothing representing this group into the Late Cretaceous. This suggests that the spinosaurid fossil assemblage is extremely fragmentary and the group as a whole is poorly known.
It is very likely that there are many other spectacular spinosaur fossils awaiting discovery.
The Ichthyovenator model measures 22 cm long approximately (measured from the tip of the jaws to the tip of the tail), although in reality the model is a little bigger as the head is slightly curved inwards ) and it stands around 8.5 cm high at its tallest point over the hips. Palaeontologists are not sure how big Ichthovenator was, the fossil specimen may represent an immature adult or a fully grown individual. Size estimates range from 7-9.5 metres.
To view CollectA prehistoric animal models and figures: CollectA Prehistoric World Models and Figures.
I really love this model!It’s a pleasure to see more Spinosaurids in figure form.I’m really happy of hearing that CollectA has heard us respecting for exotic spinosaurids.This family is mostly represented by the well known Spinosaurus-but there are others in his family that are awesome and unusual looking,like Suchomimus and Ichthyovenator.Also,the fish inclusion loos really nice and accurate,as there are evidences that suggest that Spinosaurids were mainly piscivorous.So this will be the first figure for this dinosaur,and the first one of an Asian spinosaurid.I have to say,congratulations to CollectA,and thanks releasing I.laoensis,it’s a very bizarre dinosaur.
I’m a big CollectA fan,and I am delighted about of they’re currently doing for this coming 2014.It seems 2014 will mark an amazing year for CollectA.Really looking forward to this one.Also,it seems they’re listening to fans (they are releasing Carcharodontosaurus and Ichthyovenator,along with the dead Stegosaurus,all very requested for we fans and dinosaur enthusiats)Cheers and thanks for sharing.
Juan Andrés.
Thanks for your input, much appreciated.
I agree with Juan; three very interesting and eagerly awaited dino. models. Glad to see that the “dead dino.” theme was not shelved after all but the choice of figure could have been better. Personally, I would have gone for something like Edmontosaurus, which as well as continuing the theme, would also have provided a new species to collectors and presumably have made the model more desirable (?). A little more “damage” to the body would have made it look more interesting and different to the Triceratops; what about a leg missing? ( or is that too much ?). I am holding my breath for the Ichthyosaur and a Chinese Theropod release – is it going to happen?
Thanks for your input, one of our team members is currently talking to the MD of Collecta as I write this reply. Always happy to pass on feedback and comments from collectors. We are not able to provide you with any information regarding the other new models, they still have an embargo on them, however, we can say that the Stegosaur is likely to be the only “dead dinosaur” release from Collecta in 2014. We have proposed a blister pack concept where six dead dinosaurs could be created as a set.
Hello,
I would be interested in knowing if this figure will have a base.I live the figure as it is,but ifnit will have a vase,it would ensure the figure won’t have any stability problems.Thanks for answering.
Juan Andrés.
We can exclusively reveal that this model will have a base. One is being designed and it is being looked at. We hope to get a picture of the model with base soon.
Hello,
Would you know when will CollectA ve revealing more figures due to release in 2014?
Thank you so much.
Juan Andrés.
Yes, watch our blog and facebook pages for more information.