🔗 Share this article Fossil Uncovered on UK Coast Represents One-of-a-kind 'Sword Dragon' Type Ichthyosaur specialists with the 185m year old skeleton A nearly complete skeleton found along Dorset's Jurassic Coast has been identified as a previously unknown 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 "sword dragon of Dorset" and represents the only known example of its type. This head of the "blade serpent" displays a huge eye socket and indications that suggest it may have been attacked by a different bigger ichthyosaur Scientists state that indentations on its skull indicate the "sword dragon" may have been killed by a bite to the head, potentially inflicted by a much larger type of ichthyosaur. First discovered by a experienced fossil collector at Golden Cap in Dorset in 2001, the new ichthyosaur was subsequently acquired by a institution in Canada. It has only recently been completely studied by specialists and a research document published classifying it as a new species of ichthyosaur. "I carefully considered about the name," said ichthyosaur specialist Dr Dean Lomax, who co-authored the study classifying the skeleton as a new species. "Xiphodracon translates to sword-like dragon and that refers to that very long, sword-like snout, but also the fact that ichthyosaurs have been called sea dragons for about 200 years." This is what ichthyosaurs may have appeared. The shown type is a shonisaurus which could reach more than 15 metres long. Prehistoric Ocean Creatures These creatures are categorized as marine reptiles, rather than dinosaurs, because they spent their lives in the water. This particular ichthyosaur is thought to have inhabited the oceans about 185 million years ago, a period from which extremely rare ichthyosaur remains have been discovered. "During this time ichthyosaurs are incredibly rare, and Xiphodracon is the best preserved individual ever discovered from there, helping to fill a gap," Dr Lomax stated. "This represents a crucial element of the puzzle in ichthyosaur development." Unique Characteristics Researchers estimate the creature measured about 3m long and has multiple features that have never been observed in other species of ichthyosaur. Scientists say the strangest detail is a fork-shaped bone near its nose opening The skull has an enormous eye socket An extended sword-like nose that it used to eat fish and squid Existence and Demise There are also clues 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," said study contributor Dr Erin Maxwell. "The skull appears to have been bitten by a large predator - probably another considerably bigger species of ichthyosaur - providing a reason for demise for this individual. Existence in ancient seas was a risky situation." The discoverer uncovered the 'sword dragon' in rock formations at Golden Cap in Dorset following a severe weather event Finding and Study The specimen was found 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 found a few of them," Mr Moore said. The precise count he's unearthed is approximately 15, with several of them, including 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 exactly how the recognition will take. "Either sparkling wine or traditional brew, I'm undecided at this moment," he says. This remarkable discovery is among many ichthyosaur fossils that have been found along Dorset's Jurassic Coast dating back to the initial findings of trailblazing palaeontologist Mary Anning in the beginning of the nineteenth century.