Remains Discovered on UK Shoreline Represents Unique 'Sword Dragon' Type

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

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

Scientists report that marks on its skull indicate the "sword dragon" may have been killed by a attack to the head, possibly delivered by a significantly bigger type of ichthyosaur.

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

It has only recently been completely studied by specialists and a paper released classifying it as a new species of ichthyosaur.

"I carefully considered about the name," stated ichthyosaur expert Dr Dean Lomax, who collaborated on the study classifying the skeleton as a novel type.

"The name Xiphodracon means sword-like dragon and that refers 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

Ichthyosaurs are classified as marine reptiles, rather than dinosaurs, because they lived entirely in the water. The discovered ichthyosaur is thought to have inhabited the oceans about 185 million years ago, a time frame from which very few ichthyosaur remains have been discovered.

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

Unique Characteristics

The "sword dragon" is thought to have been about 3m long and has several characteristics that have not been seen in other types of ichthyosaur.

• Researchers say the most unusual feature is a prong-like bone near its nostril
• Its head has an exceptionally large eye socket
• An extended sword-like snout that it used to consume fish and squid

Life and Death

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

"The limb bones and teeth are abnormally shaped in such a way that points to serious injury or illness while the creature was still living," stated study contributor Dr Erin Maxwell.

"The skull seems to have been attacked by a sizeable hunter - probably another considerably bigger species of ichthyosaur - giving us a cause of death for this specimen. Existence in ancient seas 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 took more than 15 years to be completely studied.

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

The precise count he's discovered is approximately 15, with multiple of them, like the "blade serpent", proving to be new species.

The discoverer stated he is intending to commemorate the recent finding but has yet to decide exactly how the recognition will take.

"Champagne or a mug of tea, I'm undecided at this moment," he says.

The 'sword dragon' 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 early 1800s.