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Remains Discovered on UK Coast Represents Unique 'Sword Dragon' Species
A nearly complete fossilized frame discovered along Dorset's Jurassic Coast has been identified as a previously unknown species of ichthyosaur, a variety of ancient marine reptile that once dominated the oceans.
The dolphin-sized ichthyosaur has been named Xiphodracon goldencapensis, or the "sword dragon of Dorset" and stands as the only known example of its type.
Researchers report that marks on its skull suggest the "blade serpent" may have been killed by a attack to the head, possibly inflicted by a significantly bigger species of ichthyosaur.
First discovered by a prolific fossil hunter at Golden Cap in Dorset in 2001, the new ichthyosaur was subsequently obtained by a museum in Canada.
It has only recently been fully analyzed by specialists and a paper published identifying it as a new species of ichthyosaur.
"I carefully considered about the name," stated ichthyosaur expert Dr Dean Lomax, who co-authored the paper classifying the fossil as a novel type.
"Xiphodracon translates to sword-like dragon and that refers to that extremely elongated, sword-like nose, but also the reality that ichthyosaurs have been referred to as sea dragons for about 200 years."
Prehistoric Ocean Creatures
These creatures are categorized as marine reptiles, rather than dinosaurs, because they lived entirely 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 remains have been discovered.
"During this time ichthyosaurs are extremely uncommon, and Xiphodracon is the most complete individual ever found from there, helping to fill a gap," Dr Lomax stated. "This represents a crucial element of the mystery in ichthyosaur evolution."
Unique Characteristics
The "sword dragon" is thought to have been about 3m in length and has several characteristics that have never been observed in other types of ichthyosaur.
- Scientists say the strangest detail is a fork-shaped bone near its nostril
- Its head has an enormous eye socket
- An extended sword-like snout that it used to consume fish and squid
Life and Death
Evidence also exists as to how this particular specimen lived and died.
"Its fins and dental structure are abnormally shaped in such a way that indicates significant trauma or disease while the animal was still alive," said study co-author Dr Erin Maxwell.
"The skull appears to have been attacked by a large predator - likely a different considerably bigger type of ichthyosaur - giving us a reason for demise for this individual. Life in the Mesozoic oceans was a dangerous prospect."
Finding and Study
The specimen was found in 2001 by paleontology enthusiast Chris Moore and then acquired by the Royal Ontario Museum in Canada where it took more than 15 years to be completely studied.
"I don't wish to blow my own ichthyosaur trumpet but I have found a number of them," Mr Moore said.
The precise count he's discovered is approximately 15, with multiple of them, including the "sword dragon", turning out to be new species.
The discoverer stated he is intending to commemorate the recent finding but has not yet determined exactly how the celebration will take.
"Champagne or a mug of tea, I'm undecided at this moment," he says.
The 'sword dragon' is among many ichthyosaur fossils that have been discovered along Dorset's Jurassic Coast dating back to the initial findings of trailblazing palaeontologist Mary Anning in the early 1800s.
Rita Davis
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