🔗 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 ancient marine reptile that once ruled the oceans.

The dolphin-sized ichthyosaur has been designated Xiphodracon goldencapensis, or the "blade serpent of Dorset" and stands as the sole documented specimen of its type.

Researchers report that indentations on its cranium suggest the "blade serpent" may have been killed by a bite to the head, possibly delivered by a significantly bigger species of ichthyosaur.

Initially found by a prolific fossil collector at Golden Cap in Dorset in 2001, the new 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 specialist Dr Dean Lomax, who co-authored the paper classifying the fossil as a novel type.

"Xiphodracon translates to sword-like dragon and that refers to that very long, 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, 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 extremely rare ichthyosaur fossils have been discovered.

"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."

Unique Characteristics

Researchers estimate the creature measured about 3m long and has multiple characteristics that have not been seen in other types of ichthyosaur.

• Researchers report the most unusual detail is a prong-like bone near its nose opening
• 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 particular specimen lived and died.

"Its fins and dental structure are abnormally shaped in such a way that indicates serious injury or disease while the creature was still living," said study co-author Dr Erin Maxwell.

"The skull appears to have been bitten by a sizeable hunter - likely another considerably bigger type 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 paleontology enthusiast 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 wish to blow my own ichthyosaur trumpet but I have discovered a few of them," Mr Moore said.

The actual number he's unearthed is somewhere in the region of 15, with several of them, including the "blade serpent", turning out to be previously unknown types.

Mr Moore says he is intending to commemorate the new discovery but has yet to decide exactly how the recognition will take.

"Champagne or a mug of tea, I'm undecided at this moment," he says.

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