Fossil Uncovered on UK Coast Represents One-of-a-kind 'Sword Dragon' Species

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

The dolphin-sized ichthyosaur has been named Xiphodracon goldencapensis, or the "blade serpent of Dorset" and represents the only known example of its kind.

Researchers state that indentations on its cranium indicate the "sword dragon" may have been fatally wounded by a attack to the head, potentially inflicted by a significantly bigger type of ichthyosaur.

Initially found by a experienced fossil collector at Golden Cap in Dorset in 2001, the recently identified ichthyosaur was subsequently acquired by a museum 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 co-authored the study classifying the fossil as a novel type.

"The name Xiphodracon means sword-like dragon and that is in reference to that extremely elongated, sword-like nose, but also the reality that ichthyosaurs have been referred to as 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 best preserved individual ever discovered from there, contributing to close a gap," Dr Lomax said. "It's a missing piece of the puzzle in ichthyosaur evolution."

Distinctive Features

Researchers estimate the creature measured about 3m long and has multiple features that have never been observed in other types of ichthyosaur.

• Researchers report the most unusual 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

Life and Death

There are also clues as to how this particular specimen lived and died.

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

"The skull seems to have been attacked by a large predator - probably another considerably bigger type of ichthyosaur - giving us a reason for demise for this specimen. Life in the Mesozoic oceans was a risky prospect."

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 completely studied.

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

The actual number he's discovered is approximately 15, with several of them, like the "sword dragon", proving to be previously unknown types.

The discoverer stated he is planning to celebrate 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 commented.

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