Fossil Discovered on British Coast Represents Unique 'Sword Dragon' Type

A nearly complete fossilized frame found along Dorset's Jurassic Coast has been classified as a new kind of ichthyosaur, a variety of ancient marine reptile that once ruled the oceans.

The dolphin-sized ichthyosaur has been named Xiphodracon goldencapensis, or the "sword dragon of Dorset" and stands as the only known specimen of its kind.

Researchers state that marks on its cranium indicate the "blade serpent" may have been killed by a bite to the head, potentially inflicted by a much larger species of ichthyosaur.

First discovered by a experienced fossil collector at Golden Cap in Dorset in 2001, the recently identified ichthyosaur was subsequently acquired by a institution in Canada.

It has only recently been completely studied by experts and a research document released identifying it as a previously unknown type of ichthyosaur.

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

"Xiphodracon translates to sword-like dragon and that refers to that very long, sword-like nose, but also the reality 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 spent their lives in the water. The discovered ichthyosaur is thought to have swum the seas about 185 million years ago, a period from which extremely rare ichthyosaur fossils have been discovered.

"In this period ichthyosaurs are extremely uncommon, and Xiphodracon is the best preserved individual ever discovered from there, helping to fill a gap," Dr Lomax said. "It's a missing piece of the mystery in ichthyosaur development."

Unique Characteristics

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

• Scientists say the most unusual detail is a prong-like bone near its nostril
• Its head has an exceptionally large 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 particular individual lived and died.

"Its fins and dental structure are abnormally shaped in such a way that indicates significant trauma or disease while the animal was still living," stated study contributor Dr Erin Maxwell.

"Its head appears to have been bitten by a sizeable hunter - likely a different considerably bigger species of ichthyosaur - providing a cause of death for this specimen. Existence in ancient seas was a dangerous prospect."

Finding and Study

The specimen was found in 2001 by paleontology enthusiast Chris Moore and then acquired by the Royal Ontario Museum in Canada where it required more than 15 years to be completely studied.

"I don't wish to blow my own ichthyosaur trumpet but I have discovered a few of them," Mr Moore stated.

The precise count he's unearthed is somewhere in the region of 15, with several of them, like the "sword dragon", turning out to be new species.

The discoverer stated he is intending to commemorate the new discovery but has yet to decide precisely what form the recognition will take.

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

This remarkable discovery is one of numerous ichthyosaur remains that have been discovered along Dorset's Jurassic Coast dating back to the first discoveries of pioneering palaeontologist Mary Anning in the early 1800s.