Fossil Uncovered on British Shoreline Represents One-of-a-kind 'Sword Dragon' Species

A nearly complete skeleton discovered along Dorset's Jurassic Coast has been classified as a new 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 "blade serpent of Dorset" and stands as the only known specimen of its type.

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

Initially found by a experienced fossil collector at Golden Cap in Dorset in 2001, the new ichthyosaur was subsequently acquired by a museum in Canada.

Only in recent times been completely studied by specialists and a paper published identifying it as a new species of ichthyosaur.

"I carefully considered about the name," said ichthyosaur specialist Dr Dean Lomax, who collaborated on the paper classifying the fossil 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

Ichthyosaurs are classified as marine reptiles, rather than dinosaurs, because they spent their lives 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 found.

"During this time ichthyosaurs are extremely uncommon, and Xiphodracon is the best preserved individual ever found from there, contributing to close a gap," Dr Lomax stated. "This represents a crucial element of the mystery in ichthyosaur evolution."

Distinctive Features

The "sword dragon" is thought to have been about 3m in length and has multiple features that have not been seen in other types of ichthyosaur.

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

Life and Death

There are also clues as to how this particular individual existed and perished.

"Its fins and dental structure are abnormally shaped in such a way that indicates serious injury or illness while the animal was still alive," said study contributor Dr Erin Maxwell.

"Its head seems to have been attacked by a sizeable hunter - probably another much larger species of ichthyosaur - giving us a cause of death for this individual. Existence in ancient seas was a risky situation."

Discovery and Analysis

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 fully analyzed.

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

The actual number he's unearthed is approximately 15, with multiple of them, including the "sword dragon", turning out to be previously unknown types.

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

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

The 'sword dragon' 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 beginning of the nineteenth century.