Dinosaur fan and model collector William sent into Everything Dinosaur his review of the recently introduced PNSO Meraxes model. William began his review by highlighting how quickly PNSO have produced a replica of Meraxes. This dinosaur was only named and scientifically described last year (2022).

He explained that collectors can never have enough PNSO theropods in their collections. The head sculpt was praised for its scientific accuracy. The well-defined lacrimal crests and the nasal ridge were commented upon. The model has an articulated lower jaw. When the mouth is opened the characteristic “shark-like” teeth of the theropod can be seen.

To read Everything Dinosaur’s article about the discovery of Meraxes gigas: Meraxes gigas A New Giant Carcharodontosaurid from Argentina.

The PNSO Meraxes Model

The reviewer states that the body sculpt is highly accurate and reflects what is known about this predator from the holotype fossil material. The figure has a muscular neck, a strong body and a powerful tail. He comments that members of the Carcharodontosauridae family tended to have very similar body shapes.

William explains:

“From start to finish all areas are detailed to the highest degree. No blank spots on the PNSO Meraxes model, there is even a cloaca.”

When reviewing the dinosaur’s limbs, the reviewer outlines the evolutionary path of these giant theropods. Reference is made to an earlier PNSO model review (Giganotosaurus 2.0). The small, highly detailed muscled forearms and the hands are well armed with the three fingered hand retaining powerful claws.

The reviewer comments that a new unique feature of “Mungo” are the pair of ankle spur claws that may have been used in intraspecific combat.

The Dinosaur Model’s Colour Scheme

The main body colour is described as a mixture of stunning silver which phases into a silvery-blue. There is a rose tint added to the face, head, neck and jaw area. The charcoal stripes have been executed with careful consideration. The stripes on the tail are reminiscent of those seen on extant tigers.

William comments that the model measures around 11.9 inches long. The head height is 4.1 inches and the declared scale 1:35.

As with previous model reviews, William confirms that the PNSO Meraxes model is supplied with a transparent support stand, full-colour booklet and a poster.

To view the range of PNSO prehistoric animal figures available from Everything Dinosaur: Age of Dinosaurs PNSO Models.

Meraxes gigas

William also sent in some information about this dinosaur’s fossils and their discovery.

Time Period: Late Cretaceous 95–93.9 million years ago (Cenomanian stage).

Location: Argentina Province of Mendoza in the western central of the Cuyo region.

Discovery: Meraxes’s holotype the “Campanas carcharodontosaurid” was found in 2012. It is the most complete carcharodontosaurid skeleton ever unearthed. The skull material permitted scientists to better understand the skull morphology of other carcharodontosaurids including Giganotosaurus and Mapusaurus.

The name Meraxes is derived from the name of a great, grey, female dragon from the fantasy book series, “A Song of Ice and Fire” by George R. R. Martin. William speculated whether the colour scheme chosen for the PNSO figure had been influenced by this book.

Classification:

Order: Theropoda.

Superfamily: Allosauroidea.

Clade: Carcharodontosauria.

Family: Carcharodontosauridae.

Subfamily: Giganotosaurini.

Genus: Meraxes.

Species: M. gigas.

William commented that this dinosaur has been estimated to have been around 33 feet long, with a head height of 9 feet. It weighed approximately 4.26 tonnes.

In concluding his review William declared:

“Meraxes is the second of three recent Carcharodontosauridae releases by PNSO. “Mungo” alone is spectacular by himself from his sculpt to paint application, to the spurs on his heels. No soul can say he is a toy, he is a museum display piece or teaching aid demonstrating what a theropod should be.”

William added:

“Purchasing from Everything Dinosaur is fast, safe and secure with no nonsense.”

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