Remains Discovered on British Coast Constitutes Unique 'Sword Dragon' Type

A nearly complete skeleton discovered along the Jurassic Coast has been classified as a previously unknown 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 sole documented specimen of its kind.

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

First discovered by a experienced fossil hunter at Golden Cap in Dorset in 2001, the recently identified ichthyosaur was later acquired by a museum in Canada.

It has only recently been fully analyzed by specialists and a research document published classifying it as a new species of ichthyosaur.

"I thought long and hard about the name," stated ichthyosaur expert Dr Dean Lomax, who co-authored the paper identifying the skeleton as a novel type.

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

Ancient Marine Life

These creatures are categorized as marine reptiles, not dinosaurs, because they spent their lives in the water. This particular ichthyosaur is believed to have inhabited the oceans about 185 million years ago, a time frame from which extremely rare ichthyosaur fossils have been found.

"During this time 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 puzzle in ichthyosaur evolution."

Unique Characteristics

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

• Researchers report the strangest feature is a prong-like bone near its nostril
• Its head has an exceptionally large eye socket
• An extended sword-like snout that it used to eat fish and squid

Existence and Demise

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

"The limb bones and teeth are malformed in such a way that indicates serious injury or disease while the creature was still alive," stated study co-author Dr Erin Maxwell.

"Its head appears to have been bitten by a large predator - likely a different much larger type of ichthyosaur - providing a reason for demise for this specimen. Existence in ancient seas was a risky situation."

Finding and Study

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 few of them," Mr Moore said.

The actual number he's unearthed is somewhere in the region of 15, with several of them, like the "sword dragon", proving to be previously unknown types.

Mr Moore says he is intending to commemorate the new discovery but has not yet determined exactly how the celebration will take.

"Champagne or a mug of tea, I'm undecided at this moment," 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 pioneering palaeontologist Mary Anning in the early 1800s.