In October 2025, scientists announced that a new species of ichthyosaur had been discovered on England's Jurassic Coast. First uncovered back in 2001, the near-complete skeleton is roughly the size of a dolphin, and has now been fully analysed in a new study. The species has been given the name Xiphodracon goldencapensis and nicknamed 'sword dragon', thanks to its long, sword-like snout.

Ichthyosaurs were prehistoric marine reptiles that ruled the waves hundreds of millions of years ago. This individual was probably killed by a bite to the skull from a predator – most likely a larger ichthyosaur.

Now discover the ancient finds that literally changed history

The best fossil finds from recent years