🔗 Share this article Fossil Discovered on UK Shoreline Represents One-of-a-kind 'Sword Dragon' Species Sea dragon experts alongside the 185 million year old skeleton An almost intact fossilized frame found along Dorset's Jurassic Coast has been identified as a new species of ichthyosaur, a type of prehistoric marine reptile that once ruled the oceans. The dolphin-sized ichthyosaur has been named Xiphodracon goldencapensis, or the "sword dragon of Dorset" and represents the sole documented example of its type. This head of the "sword dragon" features a massive eye socket and indications that point to it may have been assaulted by another larger ichthyosaur Researchers report that indentations on its skull indicate the "blade serpent" may have been killed by a bite to the head, potentially inflicted by a significantly bigger species of ichthyosaur. First discovered by a prolific 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 completely studied by specialists and a research document published classifying it as a previously unknown type of ichthyosaur. "I thought long and hard about the name," stated ichthyosaur expert Dr Dean Lomax, who co-authored the paper classifying the skeleton as a novel type. "Xiphodracon translates to sword-like dragon and that is in reference to that extremely elongated, sword-like nose, but also the fact that ichthyosaurs have been referred to as 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. Prehistoric Ocean Creatures Ichthyosaurs are classified as marine reptiles, not dinosaurs, because they spent their lives in the water. The discovered ichthyosaur is believed to have swum the seas about 185 million years ago, a period from which extremely rare ichthyosaur fossils 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 said. "This represents a crucial element of the puzzle 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 strangest feature is a prong-like bone near its nose opening Its head has an exceptionally large eye socket A long sword-like snout that it used to eat fish and squid Life and Death Evidence also exists 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 living," stated study co-author Dr Erin Maxwell. "Its head appears to have been bitten by a large predator - probably a different much larger species of ichthyosaur - giving us a reason for demise for this specimen. Existence in ancient seas was a dangerous situation." The discoverer found the 'blade serpent' in rock formations at Golden Cap in Dorset following a storm Finding and Study This "sword dragon" was discovered 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 few of them," Mr Moore said. The actual number he's discovered is somewhere in the region of 15, with multiple of them, including the "blade serpent", proving to be new species. The discoverer stated he is intending to commemorate the recent finding but has not yet determined precisely what form the celebration will take. "Either sparkling wine or traditional brew, I'm not sure which yet," he commented. This remarkable discovery is among many ichthyosaur remains that have been found along Dorset's Jurassic Coast dating back to the initial findings of pioneering palaeontologist Mary Anning in the early 1800s.