🔗 Share this article

An almost intact skeleton discovered along Dorset's Jurassic Coast has been identified as a previously unknown kind of ichthyosaur, a type of prehistoric marine reptile that once ruled the oceans.

The dolphin-sized ichthyosaur has been designated Xiphodracon goldencapensis, or the "sword dragon of Dorset" and represents the sole documented specimen of its kind.

Scientists report that marks on its cranium suggest the "sword dragon" may have been killed by a attack to the head, potentially delivered by a significantly bigger type of ichthyosaur.

First discovered by a prolific fossil hunter at Golden Cap in Dorset in 2001, the recently identified ichthyosaur was subsequently obtained by a institution in Canada.

Only in recent times been fully analyzed by experts and a research document released classifying 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 paper identifying the fossil as a novel type.

"The name Xiphodracon means sword-like dragon and that is in reference to that extremely elongated, sword-like nose, but also the reality that ichthyosaurs have been referred to as sea dragons for about 200 years."

Ancient Marine Life

Ichthyosaurs are classified as marine reptiles, not dinosaurs, because they lived entirely in the water. The discovered ichthyosaur is believed to have inhabited the oceans about 185 million years ago, a time frame from which extremely rare ichthyosaur remains have been discovered.

"In this period ichthyosaurs are extremely uncommon, and Xiphodracon is the best preserved individual ever found from there, helping to fill a gap," Dr Lomax said. "It's a missing piece of the mystery in ichthyosaur development."

Unique Characteristics

Researchers estimate the creature measured about 3m in length and has several characteristics that have not been seen in other species of ichthyosaur.

• Researchers say the strangest feature is a prong-like bone near its nostril
• The skull has an enormous eye socket
• An extended sword-like snout that it used to eat fish and squid

Life and Death

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

"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.

"The skull seems to have been attacked by a large predator - likely a different much larger species of ichthyosaur - providing a cause of death for this individual. Existence in ancient seas was a risky prospect."

Finding and Study

This "sword dragon" was discovered in 2001 by fossil hunter Chris Moore and then obtained 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 discovered a number of them," Mr Moore stated.

The actual number he's unearthed is approximately 15, with multiple of them, like the "sword dragon", 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.

"Either sparkling wine or traditional brew, I'm not sure which yet," he commented.

The 'sword dragon' is one of numerous ichthyosaur remains that have been discovered along Dorset's Jurassic Coast dating back to the initial findings of trailblazing palaeontologist Mary Anning in the early 1800s.