🔗 Share this article

A nearly complete fossilized frame discovered along the Jurassic Coast has been classified as a new kind of ichthyosaur, a type 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 kind.

Scientists report that indentations on its skull indicate the "blade serpent" may have been killed by a attack to the head, potentially delivered by a significantly bigger species of ichthyosaur.

First discovered by a prolific fossil collector at Golden Cap in Dorset in 2001, the new ichthyosaur was later acquired by a institution in Canada.

Only in recent times been fully analyzed by specialists and a paper released identifying it as a previously unknown type of ichthyosaur.

"I thought long and hard about the name," stated ichthyosaur expert Dr Dean Lomax, who collaborated on the study identifying the skeleton as a new species.

"Xiphodracon translates to 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

These creatures are categorized as marine reptiles, rather than dinosaurs, because they lived entirely in the water. The discovered ichthyosaur is believed to have swum the seas about 185 million years ago, a time frame from which extremely rare ichthyosaur remains have been discovered.

"During this time ichthyosaurs are incredibly rare, and Xiphodracon is the most complete individual ever discovered from there, helping to fill a gap," Dr Lomax stated. "This represents a crucial element of the puzzle in ichthyosaur development."

Unique Characteristics

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

• Scientists report the most unusual detail is a prong-like bone near its nostril
• Its head has an enormous eye socket
• A long sword-like snout that it used to eat fish and squid

Existence and Demise

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

"Its fins and dental structure are abnormally shaped in such a way that indicates serious injury or disease while the animal was still alive," said study contributor Dr Erin Maxwell.

"Its head seems to have been attacked by a sizeable hunter - likely a different much larger type of ichthyosaur - providing a reason for demise for this individual. Life in the Mesozoic oceans was a risky prospect."

Finding and Study

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 mean to boast but I have discovered a number of them," Mr Moore said.

The precise count he's discovered is somewhere in the region of 15, with multiple of them, like the "sword dragon", proving to be previously unknown types.

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

"Champagne or a mug of tea, I'm not sure which yet," he commented.

The 'sword dragon' is one of numerous ichthyosaur fossils that have been discovered along Dorset's Jurassic Coast dating back to the first discoveries of pioneering palaeontologist Mary Anning in the beginning of the nineteenth century.