🔗 Share this article Remains Uncovered on British Coast Constitutes Unique 'Sword Dragon' Species Ichthyosaur specialists alongside the 185 million year old fossilized remains A nearly complete fossilized frame discovered along the Jurassic Coast has been classified as a new species of ichthyosaur, a variety of ancient marine reptile that once ruled the oceans. This marine creature ichthyosaur has been named Xiphodracon goldencapensis, or the "blade serpent of Dorset" and represents the sole documented specimen of its type. This head of the "sword dragon" features a massive eye socket and indications that suggest it may have been attacked by a different bigger ichthyosaur Scientists report that marks on its cranium indicate the "sword dragon" may have been fatally wounded by a bite to the head, potentially delivered by a much larger species of ichthyosaur. Initially found by a experienced fossil hunter at Golden Cap in Dorset in 2001, the new ichthyosaur was subsequently acquired by a museum in Canada. Only in recent times been completely studied by experts and a paper published classifying it as a new species of ichthyosaur. "I carefully considered about the name," said ichthyosaur expert Dr Dean Lomax, who collaborated on the study 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." Here is what ichthyosaurs may have appeared. This particular 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. The discovered 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. "During this time ichthyosaurs are extremely uncommon, and Xiphodracon is the best preserved individual ever found from there, contributing to close a gap," Dr Lomax stated. "It's a missing piece of the mystery in ichthyosaur development." Distinctive Features Researchers estimate the creature measured about 3m in length and has multiple characteristics that have not been seen in other species of ichthyosaur. Scientists report the most unusual feature is a fork-shaped bone near its nostril The skull has an exceptionally large eye socket A long sword-like nose that it used to eat fish and squid Existence and Demise Evidence also exists as to how this specific specimen existed and perished. "Its fins and dental structure are malformed in such a way that points to significant trauma or illness while the creature was still alive," said study co-author Dr Erin Maxwell. "The skull appears to have been attacked by a sizeable hunter - likely another much larger species of ichthyosaur - providing a cause of death for this individual. Existence in ancient seas was a dangerous prospect." The discoverer found the 'sword dragon' in cliffs at Golden Cap in Dorset following a severe weather event Discovery and Analysis 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 completely studied. "I don't mean to boast but I have discovered a number of them," Mr Moore said. The precise count he's unearthed is approximately 15, with multiple of them, like the "blade serpent", turning out to be previously unknown types. Mr Moore says he is planning to celebrate the recent finding 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. The 'sword dragon' is one of numerous ichthyosaur fossils that have been discovered along Dorset's Jurassic Coast dating back to the initial findings of trailblazing palaeontologist Mary Anning in the beginning of the nineteenth century.