🔗 Share this article

A nearly complete skeleton found along Dorset's Jurassic Coast has been classified as a new kind of ichthyosaur, a variety of ancient marine reptile that once dominated 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 type.

Researchers report that indentations on its cranium suggest the "blade serpent" may have been fatally wounded by a bite to the head, potentially inflicted by a significantly bigger species of ichthyosaur.

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

It has only recently been fully analyzed by experts and a research document released classifying it as a new species of ichthyosaur.

"I carefully considered about the name," stated ichthyosaur specialist Dr Dean Lomax, who co-authored the study identifying the skeleton as a novel type.

"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 called 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 discovered.

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

Unique Characteristics

The "sword dragon" is thought to have been about 3m long and has several features that have not been seen in other species of ichthyosaur.

• Scientists report the most unusual feature is a prong-like bone near its nostril
• The skull has an exceptionally large 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 malformed in such a way that indicates serious injury or illness while the animal was still alive," stated study contributor Dr Erin Maxwell.

"The skull seems to have been attacked by a large predator - probably a different much larger type of ichthyosaur - providing 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 paleontology enthusiast Chris Moore and then acquired 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 found a number of them," Mr Moore said.

The precise count he's discovered is approximately 15, with multiple of them, including the "blade serpent", proving to be new species.

The discoverer stated he is intending to commemorate the recent finding but has not yet determined precisely what form the recognition will take.

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

This remarkable discovery is among many ichthyosaur fossils that have been discovered along Dorset's Jurassic Coast dating back to the first discoveries of trailblazing palaeontologist Mary Anning in the early 1800s.