Xiphodracon goldencapensis: The “Sword Dragon of Dorset” – A Long-Snouted Ichthyosaur from England’s Jurᴀssic Coast

A stunning new ichthyosaur species, Xiphodracon goldencapensis, has been formally named from a near-complete skeleton discovered on the UK’s iconic Jurᴀssic Coast. Nicknamed the “Sword Dragon of Dorset,” this dolphin-sized marine reptile sported an exceptionally long, narrow, sword-like snout and lived during the Early Jurᴀssic Pliensbachian stage, roughly 190 million years ago.

The fossil was found in 2001 by renowned Dorset collector Chris Moore near Golden Cap, between Charmouth and Seatown, after a storm exposed bones in the cliffs. The specimen—almost perfectly preserved in three dimensions—was later acquired by Canada’s Royal Ontario Museum, where it underwent detailed study for over 15 years. Published in October 2025, the description by Dean Lomax, Judy Mᴀssare and colleagues marks the first new Early Jurᴀssic ichthyosaur genus named from the region in more than a century.

What sets Xiphodracon apart is its elongated rostrum, reminiscent of a sword (from Greek xiphos), combined with a large eye socket and sharp teeth suited for catching fish and squid. Bite marks on the skull hint at possible predation or scavenging. As a leptonectid ichthyosaur, it helps fill a critical gap in the fossil record during a period of faunal turnover following the end-Triᴀssic extinction.

The name Xiphodracon goldencapensis honors its sword-like snout, “dragon” heritage of ichthyosaurs, and the Golden Cap locality. The holotype (ROM VP52596) is now a highlight at the Royal Ontario Museum.

This discovery underscores the enduring fossil wealth of the Jurᴀssic Coast and continues the legacy of Mary Anning. With its elegant, predatory form, Xiphodracon reveals that Early Jurᴀssic seas teemed with diverse, specialized “sea dragons” far more varied than previously known.