Fossil Discovered on UK Shoreline Represents Unique 'Sword Dragon' Type

An almost intact fossilized frame discovered along the Jurassic Coast has been identified as a previously unknown species of ichthyosaur, a type of prehistoric marine reptile that once ruled the oceans.

The dolphin-sized ichthyosaur has been designated Xiphodracon goldencapensis, or the "blade serpent of Dorset" and stands as the sole documented example of its type.

Scientists state that indentations on its skull indicate the "blade serpent" may have been killed by a attack to the head, possibly inflicted by a significantly bigger type of ichthyosaur.

Initially found by a experienced fossil collector at Golden Cap in Dorset in 2001, the recently identified ichthyosaur was later obtained by a museum in Canada.

It has only recently been fully analyzed by specialists and a research document published identifying it as a previously unknown type of ichthyosaur.

"I thought long and hard about the name," said ichthyosaur expert Dr Dean Lomax, who co-authored the study classifying the skeleton as a new species.

"The name Xiphodracon means sword-like dragon and that is in reference to that very long, sword-like snout, but also the fact that ichthyosaurs have been called sea dragons for about 200 years."

Prehistoric Ocean Creatures

These creatures are categorized as marine reptiles, rather than dinosaurs, because they lived entirely in the water. The discovered ichthyosaur is thought to have swum the seas about 185 million years ago, a time frame from which extremely rare ichthyosaur remains have been found.

"During this time ichthyosaurs are incredibly rare, and Xiphodracon is the best preserved individual ever found from there, helping to fill a gap," Dr Lomax stated. "This represents a crucial element of the puzzle in ichthyosaur development."

Distinctive Features

Researchers estimate the creature measured about 3m in length and has several features that have not been seen in other types of ichthyosaur.

• Researchers report the strangest detail is a prong-like bone near its nostril
• The skull has an enormous eye socket
• An extended sword-like nose that it used to eat fish and squid

Life and Death

There are also clues as to how this specific individual lived and died.

"Its fins and dental structure are malformed in such a way that points to serious injury or disease while the creature was still living," stated study co-author Dr Erin Maxwell.

"Its head seems to have been attacked by a sizeable hunter - probably another much larger species of ichthyosaur - providing a reason for demise for this specimen. Life in the Mesozoic oceans was a dangerous prospect."

Discovery and Analysis

The specimen was found in 2001 by fossil hunter Chris Moore and then acquired by the Royal Ontario Museum in Canada where it required more than 15 years to be fully analyzed.

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

The actual number he's discovered is approximately 15, with several of them, including the "sword dragon", proving to be previously unknown types.

Mr Moore says he is intending to commemorate the new discovery but has yet to decide exactly how the recognition will take.

"Either sparkling wine or traditional brew, I'm undecided at this moment," he says.

This remarkable discovery is one of numerous ichthyosaur remains that have been found along Dorset's Jurassic Coast since the initial findings of trailblazing palaeontologist Mary Anning in the early 1800s.