Skip to news
Today’s briefing
JQJO
Latest

New 'Sword Dragon' Ichthyosaur Identified in England | JQJO

New 'Sword Dragon' Ichthyosaur Identified in England

Tap title to read story

0:00 / 0:48

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.

Published · Published by JQJO

Published by JQJO Editorial Desk · AI assisted

More context

Sources

JQJO Editorial Desk · Human reviewed · AI assisted. Report a correction.

Editorial policy and corrections · Our team

Islamabad keeps security lockdown despite stalled US-Iran talks

Tap title to read story

0:00 / 0:40

Unknown location issues brief test news description

Tap title to read story

0:00 / 1:20

Pakistan emerges as key mediator in Iran-US war

Tap title to read story

0:00 / 0:45

Iran: No Ships Pass on U.S.-Iran Blockade Day

Tap title to read story

0:00 / 1:01

Al-Aqsa Mosque Reopens, Welcomes Over 100,000 Worshippers Today

Tap title to read story

0:00 / 0:48

Bills return to top in Week 10

Tap title to read story

0:00 / 0:37

Opposition alleges mass killings amid Tanzania unrest

Tap title to read story

0:00 / 0:50

Yum Brands weighs options for Pizza Hut

Tap title to read story

0:00 / 0:44

Day Lewis responds to Brian Cox on method

Tap title to read story

0:00 / 0:35

Gannon says Murray will start when cleared

Tap title to read story

0:00 / 0:39

JQJO

Find your next story

Search JQJO’s current coverage.