🔗 Share this article

A nearly complete skeleton found along Dorset's Jurassic Coast has been classified 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 kind.

Researchers report that indentations on its cranium suggest the "sword dragon" may have been fatally wounded by a attack to the head, potentially delivered by a significantly bigger species of ichthyosaur.

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

Only in recent times been fully analyzed by experts and a paper published classifying it as a new species of ichthyosaur.

"I carefully considered about the name," stated ichthyosaur specialist Dr Dean Lomax, who co-authored the study identifying the fossil as a novel type.

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

Ancient Marine Life

These creatures are categorized as marine reptiles, not dinosaurs, because they lived entirely in the water. The discovered ichthyosaur is thought to have inhabited the oceans about 185 million years ago, a period from which extremely rare ichthyosaur remains have been discovered.

"During this time ichthyosaurs are incredibly rare, and Xiphodracon is the most complete individual ever found from there, contributing to close a gap," Dr Lomax said. "This represents a crucial element of the mystery in ichthyosaur development."

Unique Characteristics

The "sword dragon" is thought to have been about 3m long and has multiple features that have never been observed in other types of ichthyosaur.

• Scientists say the most unusual feature is a fork-shaped bone near its nose opening
• The skull has an enormous eye socket
• An extended sword-like snout that it used to eat fish and squid

Existence and Demise

There are also clues as to how this specific specimen existed and perished.

"The limb bones and teeth are malformed in such a way that points to significant trauma or illness while the animal was still alive," stated study contributor Dr Erin Maxwell.

"Its head seems to have been attacked by a sizeable hunter - likely another much larger type of ichthyosaur - providing a reason for demise for this specimen. Life in the Mesozoic oceans was a risky situation."

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 required more than 15 years to be completely studied.

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

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

Mr Moore says he is intending to commemorate the new discovery but has yet to decide precisely what form the celebration will take.

"Champagne or a mug of tea, I'm not sure which yet," he commented.

This remarkable discovery is among many ichthyosaur remains that have been found along Dorset's Jurassic Coast since the first discoveries of trailblazing palaeontologist Mary Anning in the beginning of the nineteenth century.