Remains Uncovered on UK Coast Represents Unique 'Sword Dragon' Species

A nearly complete fossilized frame found along Dorset's Jurassic Coast has been identified as a new species of ichthyosaur, a type of ancient marine reptile that once dominated the oceans.

This marine creature ichthyosaur has been named Xiphodracon goldencapensis, or the "blade serpent of Dorset" and stands as the only known specimen of its type.

Scientists report that indentations on its skull indicate the "sword dragon" may have been killed by a attack to the head, possibly delivered by a much larger type of ichthyosaur.

Initially found by a prolific fossil collector at Golden Cap in Dorset in 2001, the new ichthyosaur was subsequently acquired by a museum in Canada.

Only in recent times been fully analyzed by specialists and a research document released identifying it as a previously unknown type of ichthyosaur.

"I thought long and hard about the name," stated ichthyosaur specialist Dr Dean Lomax, who collaborated on the study classifying the skeleton as a novel type.

"Xiphodracon translates to sword-like dragon and that refers to that very long, sword-like snout, but also the reality that ichthyosaurs have been called sea dragons for about 200 years."

Prehistoric Ocean Creatures

Ichthyosaurs are classified as marine reptiles, not dinosaurs, because they spent their lives in the water. The discovered ichthyosaur is believed to have inhabited the oceans about 185 million years ago, a period from which extremely rare ichthyosaur fossils have been found.

"During this time ichthyosaurs are incredibly rare, and Xiphodracon is the most complete individual ever discovered from there, helping to fill a gap," Dr Lomax stated. "It's a missing piece of the mystery in ichthyosaur development."

Distinctive Features

Researchers estimate the creature measured about 3m in length and has several features that have never been observed in other types of ichthyosaur.

• Scientists report the most unusual feature is a fork-shaped bone near its nostril
• The skull has an enormous eye socket
• A long sword-like nose that it used to consume fish and squid

Life and Death

Evidence also exists as to how this particular individual existed and perished.

"Its fins and dental structure are abnormally shaped in such a way that points to significant trauma or disease while the animal was still alive," stated study co-author Dr Erin Maxwell.

"The skull appears to have been attacked by a sizeable hunter - likely a different much larger species of ichthyosaur - providing a cause of death for this specimen. Life in the Mesozoic oceans was a dangerous prospect."

Finding and Study

This "sword dragon" was discovered in 2001 by fossil hunter Chris Moore and then acquired by the Royal Ontario Museum in Canada where it took more than 15 years to be completely studied.

"I don't mean to boast but I have discovered a few of them," Mr Moore stated.

The precise count he's unearthed is approximately 15, with several of them, including the "blade serpent", proving to be new species.

The discoverer stated he is planning to celebrate the new discovery but has yet to decide exactly how the recognition will take.

"Either sparkling wine or traditional brew, I'm not sure which yet," he says.

This remarkable discovery is one of numerous ichthyosaur fossils that have been discovered along Dorset's Jurassic Coast dating back to the initial findings of pioneering palaeontologist Mary Anning in the beginning of the nineteenth century.