Fossil Discovered on British Shoreline Represents One-of-a-kind 'Sword Dragon' Type

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

This marine creature ichthyosaur has been designated Xiphodracon goldencapensis, or the "sword dragon of Dorset" and stands as the only known specimen of its kind.

Scientists state that marks on its cranium suggest the "blade serpent" may have been killed by a bite to the head, possibly delivered by a much larger type of ichthyosaur.

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

It has only recently been completely studied by experts and a research document released classifying it as a new species of ichthyosaur.

"I thought long and hard about the name," said ichthyosaur expert Dr Dean Lomax, who collaborated on the study classifying the fossil 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 referred to as sea dragons for about 200 years."

Prehistoric Ocean Creatures

Ichthyosaurs are classified as marine reptiles, not 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 time frame from which extremely rare ichthyosaur remains have been found.

"In this period ichthyosaurs are incredibly rare, and Xiphodracon is the most complete individual ever found from there, helping to fill a gap," Dr Lomax said. "It's a missing piece of the puzzle in ichthyosaur evolution."

Unique Characteristics

The "sword dragon" is thought to have been about 3m in length and has several features that have never been observed in other species of ichthyosaur.

• Researchers report the strangest detail is a prong-like bone near its nose opening
• Its head has an exceptionally large eye socket
• A long sword-like snout that it used to eat fish and squid

Existence and Demise

There are also clues 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 disease while the animal was still living," said study contributor Dr Erin Maxwell.

"The skull appears to have been attacked by a large predator - likely another much larger species of ichthyosaur - giving us a cause of death for this specimen. Existence in ancient seas was a risky situation."

Finding and Study

This "sword dragon" was discovered 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 fully analyzed.

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

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 undecided at this moment," he says.

The 'sword dragon' is one of numerous ichthyosaur remains that have been found along Dorset's Jurassic Coast since the first discoveries of pioneering palaeontologist Mary Anning in the early 1800s.