Fossils reveal new species of ancient marine reptile discovered in England

In England, researchers have identified a new species of 'sword dragon' marine reptile, Xiphodracon goldencapsis, from fossils dating back to the Early Jurassic era, approximately 190 million years ago. The discovery was made from a set of fossils collected in 2001 by professional fossil collector Chris Moore, in the Golden Cap region of Charmouth along the English Channel. This region is part of the 'Jurassic Coast', a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its wealth of fossils. The nearly complete specimen of X. goldencapsis includes a skull characterized by an enormous eye socket and a long, sword-like snout. Researchers noted that the fossil is exceptionally well-preserved in three dimensions, which allowed for detailed examinations. In the fall of 2024, the specimen was finally studied, revealing unique features that distinguished it from other ichthyosaurs from the lower Jurassic period, such as unusual bones surrounding the external nostrils and a nasal opening that is more rounded than oval. This ichthyosaur's long, slender snout and narrow teeth suggest that it preyed mainly on soft, small organisms, including squid-like animals, supported by the presence of fish-like and cephalopod remains found in the fossil’s stomach mass. Ichthyosaurs, which thrived in the oceans during the Mesozoic era, are a well-studied group due to numerous fossils found globally over the last two centuries, particularly along the Jurassic Coast. This region has yielded thousands of ichthyosaur fossils, making England a focal point for researchers interested in these fascinating marine reptiles. Typically, ichthyosaurs are recognized for their dolphin-like bodies and long-snouted adaptations for capturing prey in ancient seas. The identification of X. goldencapsis adds to our understanding of ichthyosaurs, particularly during a period when various families were becoming extinct. The researchers highlighted the rarity of ichthyosaurs living between 193 million and 184 million years ago, emphasizing the significance of this discovery. The research, led by Dean Lomax of The University of Manchester, indicates that X. goldencapsis might represent one of the most complete prehistoric reptiles from the Pliensbachian period, shedding light on the evolutionary history of these marine predators.