Remains Discovered on British Coast Represents One-of-a-kind 'Sword Dragon' Type

A nearly complete skeleton discovered along the Jurassic Coast has been classified as a new species of ichthyosaur, a variety of prehistoric marine reptile that once ruled the oceans.

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

Scientists report that marks on its cranium indicate the "sword dragon" may have been fatally wounded by a bite to the head, possibly delivered by a significantly bigger type of ichthyosaur.

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

It has only recently been fully analyzed by specialists and a paper published identifying it as a previously unknown type of ichthyosaur.

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

"Xiphodracon translates to sword-like dragon and that is in reference 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

These creatures are categorized 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 discovered.

"During this time ichthyosaurs are incredibly rare, and Xiphodracon is the best preserved individual ever discovered from there, helping to fill a gap," Dr Lomax stated. "It's a missing piece of the mystery in ichthyosaur evolution."

Distinctive Features

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

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

Existence and Demise

There are also clues as to how this specific 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 animal was still alive," stated study co-author Dr Erin Maxwell.

"The skull seems to have been bitten by a sizeable hunter - probably a different considerably bigger species of ichthyosaur - providing a reason for demise for this specimen. Existence in ancient seas was a risky situation."

Discovery and Analysis

The specimen was found in 2001 by fossil hunter Chris Moore and then acquired by the Royal Ontario Museum in Canada where it required more than 15 years to be completely studied.

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

The precise count he's unearthed is somewhere in the region of 15, with multiple of them, including the "sword dragon", proving to be previously unknown types.

The discoverer stated he is planning to celebrate the new discovery but has yet to decide precisely what form the recognition will take.

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

The 'sword dragon' is among many ichthyosaur remains that have been discovered along Dorset's Jurassic Coast since the initial findings of trailblazing palaeontologist Mary Anning in the beginning of the nineteenth century.