🔗 Share this article Remains Discovered on UK Shoreline Constitutes One-of-a-kind 'Sword Dragon' Species Ichthyosaur specialists alongside the 185 million 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 dominated the oceans. This marine creature ichthyosaur has been designated Xiphodracon goldencapensis, or the "blade serpent of Dorset" and stands as the only known specimen of its type. This head of the "sword dragon" features a massive eye socket and indications that point to it may have been attacked by a different bigger ichthyosaur Researchers state that marks on its skull indicate the "blade serpent" may have been fatally wounded by a attack to the head, potentially delivered by a significantly bigger species of ichthyosaur. Initially found by a experienced fossil hunter at Golden Cap in Dorset in 2001, the new ichthyosaur was later obtained by a museum in Canada. It has only recently been fully analyzed by specialists and a paper published classifying it as a new species of ichthyosaur. "I thought long and hard about the name," stated ichthyosaur specialist Dr Dean Lomax, who collaborated on the study identifying the fossil 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 reality that ichthyosaurs have been referred to as sea dragons for about 200 years." Here is what ichthyosaurs may have looked like. This particular species is a shonisaurus which could grow to more than 15 metres in length. 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 period from which very few ichthyosaur fossils have been found. "In this period ichthyosaurs are incredibly rare, and Xiphodracon is the most complete 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 several characteristics that have not been seen in other species of ichthyosaur. Scientists report the most unusual feature 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 consume fish and squid Existence and Demise Evidence also exists as to how this particular individual existed and perished. "Its fins and dental structure are malformed in such a way that points to serious injury or illness while the creature was still living," said study contributor Dr Erin Maxwell. "The skull appears to have been bitten by a large predator - likely another much larger type of ichthyosaur - giving us a reason for demise for this specimen. Life in the Mesozoic oceans was a risky prospect." Chris Moore found the 'sword dragon' in cliffs at Golden Cap in Dorset after a severe weather event Discovery and Analysis This "sword dragon" was discovered in 2001 by fossil hunter Chris Moore and then obtained by the Royal Ontario Museum in Canada where it required more than 15 years to be completely studied. "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 approximately 15, with multiple of them, including the "sword dragon", proving to be new species. Mr Moore says he is intending to commemorate the new discovery but has not yet determined exactly how the celebration 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 found along Dorset's Jurassic Coast since the first discoveries of trailblazing palaeontologist Mary Anning in the early 1800s.