An almost intact fossilized frame discovered along the Jurassic Coast has been identified as a previously unknown species of ichthyosaur, a variety of prehistoric marine reptile that once dominated the oceans.
This marine creature ichthyosaur has been designated Xiphodracon goldencapensis, or the "sword dragon of Dorset" and stands as the sole documented example of its kind.
Scientists report that marks on its cranium indicate the "blade serpent" may have been fatally wounded by a attack to the head, potentially delivered by a significantly bigger species of ichthyosaur.
First discovered by a experienced fossil collector at Golden Cap in Dorset in 2001, the recently identified ichthyosaur was later obtained by a museum in Canada.
Only in recent times been fully analyzed by experts 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 co-authored the study classifying the skeleton as a novel type.
"The name Xiphodracon means sword-like dragon and that refers to that very long, sword-like nose, but also the fact that ichthyosaurs have been called sea dragons for about 200 years."
Ichthyosaurs are classified as marine reptiles, rather than dinosaurs, because they spent their lives in the water. This particular ichthyosaur is thought to have swum the seas about 185 million years ago, a time frame from which very few ichthyosaur fossils have been discovered.
"During this time ichthyosaurs are extremely uncommon, and Xiphodracon is the best preserved individual ever discovered from there, contributing to close a gap," Dr Lomax stated. "This represents a crucial element of the puzzle in ichthyosaur development."
The "sword dragon" is thought to have been about 3m long and has multiple characteristics that have never been observed in other species of ichthyosaur.
Evidence also exists as to how this specific specimen lived and died.
"Its fins and dental structure are malformed in such a way that indicates significant trauma or illness while the animal was still alive," stated study co-author Dr Erin Maxwell.
"The skull seems to have been bitten by a sizeable hunter - probably a different much larger species of ichthyosaur - providing a cause of death for this individual. Existence in ancient seas was a risky situation."
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 mean to boast but I have discovered a few of them," Mr Moore stated.
The precise count he's unearthed is somewhere in the region of 15, with several of them, like the "blade serpent", turning out to be new species.
The discoverer stated he is planning to celebrate the new discovery but has yet to decide precisely what form the recognition will take.
"Champagne or a mug of tea, I'm undecided at this moment," he says.
This remarkable discovery is among many ichthyosaur remains that have been found along Dorset's Jurassic Coast since the initial findings of pioneering palaeontologist Mary Anning in the beginning of the nineteenth century.
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