🔗 Share this article

A nearly complete fossilized frame discovered along Dorset's Jurassic Coast has been identified as a previously unknown kind of ichthyosaur, a variety of prehistoric marine reptile that once ruled the oceans.

The dolphin-sized ichthyosaur has been named Xiphodracon goldencapensis, or the "sword dragon of Dorset" and represents the sole documented example of its kind.

Researchers report that indentations on its skull suggest the "sword dragon" may have been killed by a attack to the head, potentially delivered by a much larger species of ichthyosaur.

First discovered by a prolific fossil collector at Golden Cap in Dorset in 2001, the new ichthyosaur was subsequently acquired by a institution 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 thought long and hard about the name," said ichthyosaur expert Dr Dean Lomax, who collaborated on the study classifying the fossil as a new species.

"Xiphodracon translates to sword-like dragon and that is in reference to that very long, sword-like nose, but also the reality 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. The discovered ichthyosaur is believed to have inhabited the oceans about 185 million years ago, a time frame from which extremely rare ichthyosaur remains have been found.

"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 development."

Unique Characteristics

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

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

Life and Death

There are also clues as to how this specific specimen existed and perished.

"Its fins and dental structure are malformed in such a way that points to serious injury or illness while the creature was still living," said study contributor Dr Erin Maxwell.

"Its head seems to have been attacked by a large predator - probably a different considerably bigger species of ichthyosaur - giving us a reason for demise for this specimen. Life in the Mesozoic oceans was a dangerous situation."

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 completely studied.

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

The actual number he's discovered is approximately 15, with several of them, like the "sword dragon", proving to be new species.

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

"Either sparkling wine or traditional brew, I'm undecided at this moment," he says.

The 'sword dragon' is one of numerous ichthyosaur remains that have been discovered along Dorset's Jurassic Coast dating back to the initial findings of trailblazing palaeontologist Mary Anning in the beginning of the nineteenth century.