🔗 Share this article Remains Uncovered on UK Coast Constitutes One-of-a-kind 'Sword Dragon' Type Ichthyosaur experts alongside the 185m year old fossilized remains An almost intact skeleton found along Dorset's Jurassic Coast has been identified as a previously unknown species of ichthyosaur, a variety of prehistoric marine reptile that once dominated the oceans. The dolphin-sized 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 huge eye socket and marks that point to it may have been assaulted by another larger ichthyosaur Scientists report that marks on its skull suggest the "blade serpent" may have been fatally wounded by a attack to the head, potentially inflicted by a much larger species of ichthyosaur. Initially found by a experienced fossil collector at Golden Cap in Dorset in 2001, the new ichthyosaur was subsequently acquired by a institution in Canada. It has only recently been fully analyzed by experts and a paper released classifying it as a new species of ichthyosaur. "I thought long and hard about the name," stated ichthyosaur expert Dr Dean Lomax, who collaborated on the study classifying the skeleton as a new species. "Xiphodracon translates to sword-like dragon and that is in reference to that very long, sword-like snout, but also the fact that ichthyosaurs have been called sea dragons for about 200 years." Here is what ichthyosaurs may have looked like. The shown species is a shonisaurus which could grow to more than 15 metres in length. Prehistoric Ocean Creatures These creatures are categorized as marine reptiles, rather than dinosaurs, because they lived entirely in the water. The discovered ichthyosaur is believed to have swum the seas about 185 million years ago, a period from which extremely rare ichthyosaur fossils have been found. "In this period ichthyosaurs are extremely uncommon, and Xiphodracon is the most complete individual ever discovered from there, contributing to close a gap," Dr Lomax said. "It's a missing piece of the mystery in ichthyosaur development." Distinctive Features Researchers estimate the creature measured about 3m long and has multiple features that have not been seen in other species of ichthyosaur. Scientists report the strangest detail is a prong-like bone near its nose opening Its head has an enormous eye socket A long sword-like snout that it used to eat fish and squid Existence and Demise There are also clues as to how this particular specimen existed and perished. "The limb bones and teeth are abnormally shaped in such a way that points to significant trauma or illness while the animal was still living," stated study contributor Dr Erin Maxwell. "Its head seems to have been bitten by a large predator - probably another considerably bigger species of ichthyosaur - giving us a reason for demise for this individual. Existence in ancient seas was a risky prospect." The discoverer uncovered the 'sword dragon' in rock formations at Golden Cap in Dorset after a storm Discovery and Analysis 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 mean to boast but I have found a number of them," Mr Moore stated. The actual number he's unearthed is approximately 15, with several of them, including the "blade serpent", proving to be previously unknown types. The discoverer stated he is intending to commemorate the new discovery but has yet to decide exactly how the celebration will take. "Either sparkling wine or traditional brew, I'm not sure which yet," he commented. This remarkable discovery is one of numerous ichthyosaur fossils that have been discovered along Dorset's Jurassic Coast since the initial findings of pioneering palaeontologist Mary Anning in the early 1800s.