🔗 Share this article

A nearly complete fossilized frame found along the Jurassic Coast has been identified as a previously unknown 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 example of its type.

Researchers state that marks on its cranium indicate the "blade serpent" may have been killed by a attack to the head, possibly delivered by a significantly bigger type of ichthyosaur.

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

It has only recently been completely studied by specialists and a paper published identifying it as a new species of ichthyosaur.

"I carefully considered about the name," stated ichthyosaur expert Dr Dean Lomax, who collaborated on the paper identifying the skeleton as a novel type.

"Xiphodracon translates to sword-like dragon and that refers to that extremely elongated, sword-like snout, but also the fact that ichthyosaurs have been referred to as sea dragons for about 200 years."

Prehistoric Ocean Creatures

Ichthyosaurs are classified as marine reptiles, not dinosaurs, because they lived entirely in the water. This particular ichthyosaur is thought to have inhabited the oceans about 185 million years ago, a time frame from which very few ichthyosaur remains have been found.

"In this period ichthyosaurs are incredibly rare, and Xiphodracon is the best preserved individual ever discovered from there, contributing to close a gap," Dr Lomax said. "It's a missing piece of the mystery in ichthyosaur development."

Distinctive Features

The "sword dragon" is thought to have been about 3m long and has multiple characteristics that have not been seen in other types of ichthyosaur.

• Scientists say the most unusual feature is a fork-shaped bone near its nose opening
• The skull has an exceptionally large eye socket
• An extended sword-like nose that it used to consume fish and squid

Existence and Demise

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

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

"Its head seems to have been bitten by a large predator - likely a different much larger type of ichthyosaur - giving us a cause of death for this specimen. Existence in ancient seas was a dangerous situation."

Discovery and Analysis

This "sword dragon" was discovered 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 wish to blow my own ichthyosaur trumpet but I have found a number of them," Mr Moore said.

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

Mr Moore says he is intending to commemorate the new discovery but has yet to decide precisely what form the recognition will take.

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

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