🔗 Share this article Remains Discovered on UK Shoreline Constitutes One-of-a-kind 'Sword Dragon' Type Sea dragon specialists with the 185 million year old skeleton An almost intact fossilized frame found along Dorset's Jurassic Coast has been classified as a new species of ichthyosaur, a type of prehistoric marine reptile that once ruled 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. The skull of the "sword dragon" displays a massive eye socket and indications that point to it may have been attacked by another bigger ichthyosaur Researchers report that marks on its cranium indicate the "sword dragon" may have been killed by a bite to the head, possibly inflicted by a much larger species of ichthyosaur. First discovered by a experienced fossil collector at Golden Cap in Dorset in 2001, the new ichthyosaur was later acquired by a institution in Canada. Only in recent times been fully analyzed by experts and a research document published identifying it as a previously unknown type of ichthyosaur. "I carefully considered about the name," said ichthyosaur expert Dr Dean Lomax, who collaborated on the paper identifying the fossil as a new species. "The name Xiphodracon means 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 looked like. The shown species is a shonisaurus which could reach more than 15 metres in length. Ancient Marine Life Ichthyosaurs are classified as marine reptiles, not 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 found from there, helping to fill a gap," Dr Lomax said. "It's a missing piece of the mystery in ichthyosaur development." Unique Characteristics Researchers estimate the creature measured about 3m in length and has multiple features that have not been seen in other types of ichthyosaur. Researchers say the most unusual feature is a fork-shaped bone near its nostril Its head has an exceptionally large eye socket An extended sword-like nose that it used to consume fish and squid Life and Death Evidence also exists as to how this particular individual lived and died. "The limb bones and teeth are abnormally shaped in such a way that points to serious injury or disease while the creature was still living," stated study co-author Dr Erin Maxwell. "Its head appears to have been bitten by a sizeable hunter - probably a different much larger species of ichthyosaur - providing a cause of death for this specimen. Existence in ancient seas was a risky situation." Chris Moore uncovered the 'sword dragon' in rock formations at Golden Cap in Dorset after a storm Finding and Study This "sword dragon" was discovered 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 found a few of them," Mr Moore stated. The actual number he's unearthed is approximately 15, with several of them, including the "blade serpent", turning out to be new species. Mr Moore says he is planning to celebrate the recent finding but has not yet determined precisely what form the recognition will take. "Champagne or a mug of tea, I'm not sure which yet," he says. This remarkable discovery is among many ichthyosaur fossils that have been discovered along Dorset's Jurassic Coast dating back to the initial findings of pioneering palaeontologist Mary Anning in the early 1800s.