🔗 Share this article

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

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

Researchers report that indentations on its cranium suggest the "blade serpent" may have been killed by a attack to the head, potentially delivered by a much larger species of ichthyosaur.

Initially found by a prolific fossil hunter at Golden Cap in Dorset in 2001, the new ichthyosaur was later obtained by a museum in Canada.

It has only recently been fully analyzed by specialists and a paper released identifying it as a new species of ichthyosaur.

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

"The name Xiphodracon means sword-like dragon and that refers to that extremely elongated, sword-like snout, but also the reality that ichthyosaurs have been called sea dragons for about 200 years."

Ancient Marine Life

Ichthyosaurs are classified as marine reptiles, rather than dinosaurs, because they spent their lives in the water. The discovered ichthyosaur is believed to have swum the seas about 185 million years ago, a period from which extremely rare ichthyosaur fossils have been found.

"During this time ichthyosaurs are extremely uncommon, and Xiphodracon is the most complete individual ever found from there, contributing to close a gap," Dr Lomax stated. "It's a missing piece of the puzzle in ichthyosaur development."

Distinctive Features

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 strangest feature is a prong-like bone near its nose opening
• The skull has an enormous eye socket
• A long sword-like nose that it used to consume fish and squid

Existence and Demise

Evidence also exists as to how this specific specimen lived and died.

"Its fins and dental structure are abnormally shaped in such a way that indicates serious injury or disease while the creature was still living," said study co-author Dr Erin Maxwell.

"The skull seems to have been bitten by a large predator - likely another much larger species of ichthyosaur - providing a cause of death for this specimen. Existence in ancient seas was a risky prospect."

Finding and Study

This "sword dragon" was discovered in 2001 by paleontology enthusiast Chris Moore and then obtained by the Royal Ontario Museum in Canada where it took more than 15 years to be fully analyzed.

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

The actual number he's discovered is approximately 15, with multiple of them, including the "sword dragon", proving to be new species.

Mr Moore says he is intending to commemorate the new discovery but has not yet determined exactly how the recognition will take.

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

This remarkable discovery is among many ichthyosaur fossils that have been found along Dorset's Jurassic Coast dating back to the initial findings of trailblazing palaeontologist Mary Anning in the early 1800s.