🔗 Share this article

An almost intact skeleton found along the Jurassic Coast has been classified as a new species of ichthyosaur, a variety of ancient marine reptile that once dominated the oceans.

The dolphin-sized ichthyosaur has been designated Xiphodracon goldencapensis, or the "blade serpent of Dorset" and stands as the only known specimen of its type.

Scientists report that marks on its skull suggest the "sword dragon" may have been fatally wounded by a attack to the head, possibly delivered by a much larger species of ichthyosaur.

First discovered by a prolific fossil hunter at Golden Cap in Dorset in 2001, the recently identified ichthyosaur was later obtained by a museum in Canada.

Only in recent times been completely studied by experts and a paper released classifying it as a previously unknown type of ichthyosaur.

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

"The name Xiphodracon means sword-like dragon and that is in reference to that very long, sword-like snout, but also the fact 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 lived entirely in the water. This particular ichthyosaur is thought to have inhabited the oceans about 185 million years ago, a period from which very few ichthyosaur fossils have been found.

"During this time ichthyosaurs are incredibly rare, and Xiphodracon is the most complete individual ever found from there, contributing to close a gap," Dr Lomax stated. "It's a missing piece of the mystery in ichthyosaur development."

Distinctive Features

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

• Researchers report the most unusual feature is a prong-like bone near its nose opening
• The skull has an enormous eye socket
• A long sword-like snout that it used to consume fish and squid

Existence and Demise

Evidence also exists as to how this specific specimen existed and perished.

"Its fins and dental structure are abnormally shaped in such a way that indicates serious injury or illness while the creature was still alive," said study co-author Dr Erin Maxwell.

"Its head appears to have been attacked by a large predator - probably another much larger type of ichthyosaur - giving us a cause of death for this specimen. Life in the Mesozoic oceans was a dangerous prospect."

Discovery and Analysis

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

"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 discovered is somewhere in the region of 15, with several of them, like the "blade serpent", turning out 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.

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

The 'sword dragon' is among many ichthyosaur remains that have been discovered along Dorset's Jurassic Coast dating back to the initial findings of pioneering palaeontologist Mary Anning in the early 1800s.