Drag to rotate the Cryolophosaurus, scroll or pinch to zoom, and click a body part - the crest, the snout, or a hind leg - to read what fossils tell us about it. The panel beside the model carries the real figures.
Cryolophosaurus was an Early Jurassic theropod from Antarctica with a distinctive forward-facing crest; turn on the human figure to see how a person compares to its body.
The colors and skin here are an artistic reconstruction; fossils preserve bone, not soft tissue or color. This model is not a fossil-accurate skeleton. The measurements in the panel follow published estimates, with ranges shown where sources disagree.
Cryolophosaurus 3D Viewer
This page renders a Cryolophosaurus as a 3D model you can spin in the browser - drag to rotate, scroll or pinch to zoom, toggle a 1.8 m person beside it for scale, and click the crest, snout, or a hind leg to read a fact about that part.
Cryolophosaurus lived in the Early Jurassic, about 194 to 188 million years ago, in Antarctica (Hanson Formation). The holotype is about 6 to 7 m and about 350 to 465 kg; some estimates reach about 7.7 m / 780 kg (NHM lists about 8 m / 500 kg). Nicknamed Elvisaurus for its forehead crest - unlike Dilophosaurus (paired crests, North America).
| Measure | Figure |
|---|---|
| Length | about 6-7 m holotype; some estimates about 7.7-8 m |
| Standing height | about 1.8-2.2 m at the hips for a large adult |
| Weight | about 350-465 kg commonly cited; some estimates to about 780 kg |
| When it lived | about 194-188 million years ago (Early Jurassic) |
| Diet | Carnivore |
Everything runs on your device with WebGL - no account, nothing sent to a server. Soft-tissue color is an artistic reconstruction; this model is not a fossil-accurate skeleton. Figures above are published values with ranges where sources disagree.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Cryolophosaurus called Elvisaurus?
The nickname comes from its forward-facing crest across the forehead, which reminded discoverers of Elvis Presley's pompadour. The formal name Cryolophosaurus means frozen crest lizard.
How big was Cryolophosaurus?
The holotype is usually estimated at about 6 to 7 m long and about 350 to 465 kg. Some published estimates reach about 7.7 m and 780 kg; the NHM directory lists about 8 m and 500 kg. Turn on the human figure to see the scale against a 1.8 m person.
When and where did it live?
In the Early Jurassic, about 194 to 188 million years ago, in Antarctica (Hanson Formation on Mount Kirkpatrick). It is one of the most complete dinosaurs known from that continent.
How is it different from Dilophosaurus?
Both are crested Early Jurassic theropods, but Cryolophosaurus has a single transverse crest and lived in Antarctica. Dilophosaurus has paired crests and lived in North America. This site has a separate Dilophosaurus viewer for comparison.
Is the model scientifically accurate?
The proportions follow published figures, but soft-tissue color is an artistic reconstruction. This model is not a fossil-accurate skeleton. Length, weight, and age figures are real published values, with ranges cited because sources vary.
Do I need to install anything to view it?
No. The model renders in your browser with WebGL - no app, no account, and nothing about your visit is sent to a server. When available, a free-licensed glTF model may swap in after first paint.