🔗 Share this article

An almost intact skeleton discovered along the Jurassic Coast has been classified as a previously unknown species 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 only known specimen of its kind.

Researchers report that marks on its skull suggest the "sword dragon" 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 later acquired by a institution in Canada.

It has only recently been completely studied by experts and a research document released identifying it as a new species of ichthyosaur.

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

"Xiphodracon translates to sword-like dragon and that refers to that extremely elongated, 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, not dinosaurs, because they lived entirely in the water. The discovered ichthyosaur is thought to have swum the seas about 185 million years ago, a time frame from which extremely rare ichthyosaur fossils have been found.

"In this period 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 mystery in ichthyosaur development."

Unique Characteristics

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

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

Existence and Demise

Evidence also exists as to how this particular individual lived and died.

"Its fins and dental structure are malformed in such a way that points to significant trauma or illness while the animal was still living," stated study contributor Dr Erin Maxwell.

"The skull appears to have been attacked by a sizeable hunter - probably another much larger type of ichthyosaur - providing a reason for demise for this individual. Life in the Mesozoic oceans was a risky prospect."

Discovery and Analysis

The specimen was found in 2001 by paleontology enthusiast 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 found a number of them," Mr Moore said.

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

Mr Moore says he is planning to celebrate the new discovery but has not yet determined precisely what form the recognition will take.

"Either sparkling wine or traditional brew, 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 since the first discoveries of trailblazing palaeontologist Mary Anning in the beginning of the nineteenth century.