🔗 Share this article

An almost intact fossilized frame found along Dorset's Jurassic Coast has been identified 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 "sword dragon of Dorset" and stands as the only known specimen of its type.

Researchers state that indentations on its skull indicate the "sword dragon" may have been killed by a bite to the head, possibly delivered 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 later acquired by a museum in Canada.

Only in recent times been completely studied by experts and a research document published 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 paper classifying the skeleton as a new species.

"Xiphodracon translates to sword-like dragon and that is in reference to that very long, sword-like snout, 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 believed to have swum the seas about 185 million years ago, a period from which very few ichthyosaur remains have been discovered.

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

Distinctive Features

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

• Scientists say the most unusual detail is a fork-shaped 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

Life and Death

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

"The limb bones and teeth are abnormally shaped in such a way that points to significant trauma or illness while the animal was still living," stated study co-author Dr Erin Maxwell.

"The skull seems to have been attacked by a sizeable hunter - probably a different considerably bigger species of ichthyosaur - providing a reason for demise for this individual. Existence in ancient seas was a risky situation."

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 took more than 15 years to be fully analyzed.

"I don't wish to blow my own ichthyosaur trumpet but I have found a few of them," Mr Moore stated.

The actual number he's discovered is somewhere in the region of 15, with multiple of them, like the "sword dragon", turning out to be previously unknown types.

The discoverer stated he is intending to commemorate the recent finding but has yet to decide precisely what form the celebration will take.

"Champagne or a mug of tea, I'm undecided at this moment," he says.

The 'sword dragon' is one of numerous ichthyosaur remains that have been found along Dorset's Jurassic Coast since the initial findings of pioneering palaeontologist Mary Anning in the early 1800s.