🔗 Share this article

A nearly complete skeleton discovered along Dorset's Jurassic Coast has been identified as a previously unknown species of ichthyosaur, a type of ancient 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 sole documented specimen of its kind.

Researchers report that indentations on its cranium indicate the "sword dragon" may have been killed by a bite 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 obtained by a institution in Canada.

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

"I thought long and hard about the name," said ichthyosaur specialist Dr Dean Lomax, who co-authored the paper identifying the skeleton as a new species.

"Xiphodracon translates to sword-like dragon and that refers to that very long, sword-like snout, but also the fact that ichthyosaurs have been referred to as sea dragons for about 200 years."

Prehistoric Ocean Creatures

Ichthyosaurs are classified as marine reptiles, rather than dinosaurs, because they lived entirely in the water. This particular ichthyosaur is thought to have swum the seas about 185 million years ago, a period from which extremely rare ichthyosaur remains have been discovered.

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

Unique Characteristics

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

• Scientists report the strangest detail is a prong-like bone near its nostril
• The skull has an enormous eye socket
• An extended sword-like nose that it used to eat fish and squid

Existence and Demise

Evidence also exists as to how this specific specimen lived and died.

"The limb bones and teeth are abnormally shaped in such a way that indicates serious injury or disease while the animal was still alive," stated study co-author Dr Erin Maxwell.

"The skull appears to have been bitten by a sizeable hunter - probably another considerably bigger type of ichthyosaur - providing a reason for demise for this individual. Existence in ancient seas was a dangerous prospect."

Discovery and Analysis

This "sword dragon" was discovered in 2001 by fossil hunter Chris Moore and then obtained by the Royal Ontario Museum in Canada where it took more than 15 years to be completely studied.

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

The actual number he's unearthed is approximately 15, with multiple of them, like the "sword dragon", proving 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 undecided at this moment," he says.

The 'sword dragon' is among many ichthyosaur remains that have been discovered along Dorset's Jurassic Coast since the first discoveries of trailblazing palaeontologist Mary Anning in the early 1800s.