Dinocephalosaurus (Xiaochong) (Prehistoric Animal Models by PNSO)

Last summer PNSO released a wave of Triassic, Chinese marine reptiles that included the already reviewed Guanlingsaurus and Guizhouichthyosaurus. Now it’s finally time to look at the last one, the Dinocephalosaurus. Dinocephalosaurus was described in 2003, but it generated significant buzz when a new specimen was announced in 2024 that basically doubled the known size of the thing. Dinocephalosaurus was a protorosaur archosauromorph that was closely related to the similar looking Tanystropheus but convergently developed its long neck in an entirely different way. While Tanystropheus possessed 11 long and 2 short neck vertebrae, Dinocephalosaurus possessed 27 short neck vertebrae. One grew longer vertebrae while the other evolved more vertebrae. Also significant is that one specimen of Dinocephalosaurus is preserved with a developing embryo inside, showing that archosauromorphs could evolve viviparity.

PNSO’s Dinocephalosaurus measures 11” (27.94 cm) long when measured along the curves of its neck, back, and tail. The actual Dinocephalosaurus reached a length of 16-20’ (5-6 meters) which puts the figure between 1/17-1/21 in scale. Like PNSO’s other marine reptiles released last summer, this figure is basically identical to the model on display at the Guizhou Geological Museum. It is presented with the limbs swept back, the neck curving to the right, and mouth open. The tail sweeps to the right with the tip pointing up and to the left.

The head is appropriately shallow with a squared off snout but when compared to images online it appears too narrow when viewed from above. The nostrils are set back a bit from the tip of the snout, which is accurate, and the pointed teeth vary in shape, with the longest being those at the front of the maxilla. The neck and torso are both long and slender, giving it a snake-like build, and the neck is accurately longer than the body. The limbs are robustly built with paddle-like, webbed feet. The limbs of Dinocephalosaurus were poorly ossified, suggesting a fully aquatic lifestyle.

Fine details include many finely sculpted, pointed teeth, and as usual for PNSO, great attention to detail on the inside of the mouth. The body looks and appears smooth but is actually covered in some of the smallest scales I’ve ever seen on a figure. It was only while examining the toy for this review that I noticed them. They are most noticeable on the belly, where a dark wash over them makes them more apparent. There are also faint skin creases where appropriate. There are finely sculpted claws on the digits, and the tail tip is laterally flattened and paddle-like, with some undulations along its top edge. All bodily orifices are present.

The figure is painted a dark, muddy green over the back and dull green-yellow on the underside. Green stripes running down the neck, back, and tail transition to brown along the sides. A pink band runs down either side of the neck. The teeth are white and the inside of the mouth is glossy pink and red. The eyes are lime green with black pupils. The claws are white and the inside surface of the hands and feet are gray. As usual, the paintjob is masterfully executed with a lot of subtle variations in tone and blending of colors. The figure appears naturalistic and would be well camouflaged in the murky environment that Dinocephalosaurus lived in.

The PNSO Dinocephalosaurus represents another masterpiece from PNSO that should definitely appeal to those of us that value diversity in our collections and is a bonus for those of us with an affinity for Triassic archosauromorphs and other oddballs. This is also the only accurate figure of its genus. Sadly, PNSO’s run of Triassic marine reptiles was short lived, but hopefully they get more creative again soon!