Remains Uncovered on British Coast Represents One-of-a-kind 'Sword Dragon' Species

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

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

Scientists report that indentations on its skull indicate the "blade serpent" may have been killed by a attack to the head, possibly delivered by a much larger type of ichthyosaur.

Initially found by a prolific fossil collector at Golden Cap in Dorset in 2001, the new ichthyosaur was subsequently acquired by a museum in Canada.

Only in recent times been fully analyzed by specialists and a research document published classifying it as a new species of ichthyosaur.

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

"The name Xiphodracon means sword-like dragon and that is in reference to that extremely elongated, sword-like nose, but also the reality that ichthyosaurs have been called sea dragons for about 200 years."

Prehistoric Ocean Creatures

Ichthyosaurs are classified as marine reptiles, rather than dinosaurs, because they spent their lives 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 found.

"In this period ichthyosaurs are extremely uncommon, and Xiphodracon is the most complete individual ever found from there, contributing to close a gap," Dr Lomax said. "It's a missing piece of the mystery in ichthyosaur evolution."

Unique Characteristics

Researchers estimate the creature measured about 3m in length and has several features that have not been seen in other types of ichthyosaur.

• Researchers report the most unusual 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 eat fish and squid

Life and Death

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

"The limb bones and teeth are malformed in such a way that indicates significant trauma or disease while the animal was still alive," said study co-author Dr Erin Maxwell.

"Its head appears to have been bitten by a sizeable hunter - probably another much larger species of ichthyosaur - giving us a cause of death for this specimen. Existence in ancient seas was a dangerous situation."

Finding and Study

This "sword dragon" was discovered 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 mean to boast but I have found a few of them," Mr Moore stated.

The actual number he's unearthed is somewhere in the region of 15, with several of them, like the "sword dragon", turning out to be new species.

The discoverer stated he is planning to celebrate the recent finding but has not yet determined exactly how the celebration 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 found along Dorset's Jurassic Coast dating back to the initial findings of trailblazing palaeontologist Mary Anning in the beginning of the nineteenth century.