🔗 Share this article Fossil Uncovered on UK Coast Represents Unique 'Sword Dragon' Type Ichthyosaur specialists alongside the 185m year old skeleton A nearly complete fossilized frame discovered along the Jurassic Coast has been classified as a new species of ichthyosaur, a type of ancient marine reptile that once ruled the oceans. The dolphin-sized ichthyosaur has been named Xiphodracon goldencapensis, or the "blade serpent of Dorset" and stands as the only known specimen of its kind. The skull of the "blade serpent" features a huge eye socket and indications that suggest it may have been assaulted by a different larger ichthyosaur Scientists report that marks on its cranium indicate the "blade serpent" may have been fatally wounded by a bite 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 new ichthyosaur was subsequently acquired by a institution in Canada. It has only recently been fully analyzed by specialists and a research document released classifying it as a new species of ichthyosaur. "I carefully considered about the name," stated ichthyosaur expert Dr Dean Lomax, who co-authored the paper identifying the fossil as a novel type. "The name Xiphodracon means 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." This is what ichthyosaurs may have looked like. The shown species is a shonisaurus which could grow to more than 15 metres long. Ancient Marine Life These creatures are categorized as marine reptiles, rather than dinosaurs, because they spent their lives 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 remains have been discovered. "During this time ichthyosaurs are incredibly rare, and Xiphodracon is the best preserved individual ever found from there, helping to fill a gap," Dr Lomax stated. "It's a missing piece of the mystery in ichthyosaur development." Unique Characteristics The "sword dragon" is thought to have been about 3m in length and has several features that have not been seen in other types of ichthyosaur. Scientists say the strangest feature is a prong-like bone near its nose opening Its head has an enormous eye socket An extended sword-like snout that it used to eat fish and squid Existence and Demise There are also clues as to how this specific individual existed and perished. "The limb bones and teeth are abnormally shaped in such a way that points to serious injury or illness while the animal was still alive," stated study contributor Dr Erin Maxwell. "Its head seems to have been bitten by a sizeable hunter - likely another considerably bigger type of ichthyosaur - giving us a reason for demise for this individual. Life in the Mesozoic oceans was a dangerous prospect." Chris Moore found the 'sword dragon' in rock formations at Golden Cap in Dorset after a storm Discovery and Analysis The specimen was found in 2001 by paleontology enthusiast Chris Moore and then acquired 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 discovered a number of them," Mr Moore stated. The precise count he's discovered is approximately 15, with several of them, including the "sword dragon", proving to be previously unknown types. Mr Moore says he is intending to commemorate the recent finding but has not yet determined precisely what form the recognition will take. "Either sparkling wine or traditional brew, I'm undecided at this moment," he commented. The 'sword dragon' is among many ichthyosaur fossils that have been discovered along Dorset's Jurassic Coast since the first discoveries of pioneering palaeontologist Mary Anning in the early 1800s.