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Researchers have identified a new ichthyosaur, Xiphodracon goldencapsis, from fossils found in 2001 at Golden Cap on England’s Jurassic Coast. The nearly 10-foot “sword dragon” shows an enormous eye socket, a long, sword-like snout, unusual bones around the external nostrils, and a rounder nasal opening. Almost perfectly preserved in three dimensions and on display at the Royal Ontario Museum, the specimen wasn’t studied until fall 2024. Its narrow teeth and stomach contents point to soft, small prey. Dating to 190 million years ago, it is regarded as probably the world’s most complete prehistoric reptile from the Pliensbachian period.

Prepared by Olivia Bennett and reviewed by editorial team.