Remains Discovered on UK Coast Constitutes One-of-a-kind 'Sword Dragon' Species

A nearly complete fossilized frame found along the Jurassic Coast has been classified as a new species of ichthyosaur, a variety of prehistoric marine reptile that once dominated the oceans.

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

Researchers report that marks on its skull suggest the "sword dragon" may have been fatally wounded by a attack to the head, possibly inflicted by a much larger type of ichthyosaur.

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

It has only recently been fully analyzed by specialists and a research document published classifying 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 identifying the skeleton as a new species.

"Xiphodracon translates to sword-like dragon and that is in reference to that very long, sword-like nose, but also the reality that ichthyosaurs have been referred to as 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. This particular ichthyosaur is believed to have swum the seas about 185 million years ago, a time frame 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. "This represents a crucial element of the puzzle in ichthyosaur evolution."

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 strangest feature is a fork-shaped bone near its nose opening
• The skull has an exceptionally large eye socket
• An extended sword-like nose that it used to eat fish and squid

Life and Death

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

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

"Its head appears to have been attacked by a large predator - likely another much larger species of ichthyosaur - providing a reason for demise for this specimen. Life in the Mesozoic oceans was a dangerous situation."

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 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 said.

The precise count he's discovered is somewhere in the region of 15, with several of them, including the "blade serpent", proving to be previously unknown types.

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 says.

The 'sword dragon' 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 beginning of the nineteenth century.