Fossil Discovered on UK Shoreline Represents Unique 'Sword Dragon' Species

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

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

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

First discovered by a prolific fossil collector at Golden Cap in Dorset in 2001, the new ichthyosaur was subsequently obtained by a museum in Canada.

Only in recent times been completely studied by specialists and a research document released identifying it as a new species of ichthyosaur.

"I carefully considered about the name," stated ichthyosaur specialist Dr Dean Lomax, who co-authored the study classifying the fossil as a new species.

"Xiphodracon translates to sword-like dragon and that is in reference to that extremely elongated, sword-like snout, but also the fact that ichthyosaurs have been referred to as sea dragons for about 200 years."

Ancient Marine Life

These creatures are categorized as marine reptiles, rather than dinosaurs, because they lived entirely in the water. The discovered ichthyosaur is believed to have swum the seas about 185 million years ago, a time frame from which extremely rare ichthyosaur remains have been discovered.

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

Unique Characteristics

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

• Researchers say the strangest feature is a fork-shaped bone near its nostril
• The skull has an enormous eye socket
• An extended sword-like snout that it used to consume fish and squid

Existence and Demise

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

"Its fins and dental structure are malformed in such a way that points to significant trauma or disease while the animal was still living," said study co-author Dr Erin Maxwell.

"Its head appears to have been bitten by a large predator - probably a different considerably bigger species of ichthyosaur - providing a reason for demise for this individual. Existence in ancient seas was a risky situation."

Finding and Study

The specimen was found 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 fully analyzed.

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

The precise count he's discovered is approximately 15, with several of them, including the "sword dragon", proving to be new species.

The discoverer stated he is planning to celebrate the new discovery but has not yet determined exactly how the celebration will take.

"Champagne or a mug of tea, I'm not sure which yet," he commented.

This remarkable discovery is among many ichthyosaur fossils that have been found along Dorset's Jurassic Coast dating back to the initial findings of pioneering palaeontologist Mary Anning in the early 1800s.