 However the name is shared with Greek warrior Meriones in Homer's "Iliad" which has brought confusion to the meaning of the scientific names, specially for the popular pet Mongolian gerbil.Adult "Meriones" species range in size from 9 to 18 cm (head and body), with tails equal to or slightly longer than the rest of the animals.Weights vary widely by species, but is generally between 30 and 200 grams.