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An almost intact fossilized frame discovered along Dorset's Jurassic Coast has been identified as a previously unknown species of ichthyosaur, a variety of ancient marine reptile that once dominated the oceans.

This marine creature ichthyosaur has been designated Xiphodracon goldencapensis, or the "blade serpent of Dorset" and represents the only known example of its kind.

Researchers state that marks on its skull suggest the "sword dragon" may have been fatally wounded by a bite to the head, potentially delivered by a significantly bigger type of ichthyosaur.

First discovered by a prolific fossil hunter at Golden Cap in Dorset in 2001, the new ichthyosaur was later obtained by a museum in Canada.

Only in recent times been completely studied by specialists and a research document released identifying it as a previously unknown type of ichthyosaur.

"I thought long and hard about the name," said ichthyosaur specialist Dr Dean Lomax, who co-authored the paper classifying the fossil as a novel type.

"Xiphodracon translates to sword-like dragon and that is in reference to that very long, sword-like snout, but also the reality that ichthyosaurs have been referred to as sea dragons for about 200 years."

Ancient Marine Life

These creatures are categorized as marine reptiles, rather than dinosaurs, because they spent their lives in the water. The discovered ichthyosaur is believed to have swum the seas about 185 million years ago, a period from which very few ichthyosaur fossils have been found.

"During this time ichthyosaurs are incredibly rare, and Xiphodracon is the most complete individual ever discovered from there, contributing to close a gap," Dr Lomax said. "It's a missing piece of the puzzle in ichthyosaur evolution."

Unique Characteristics

Researchers estimate the creature measured about 3m in length and has several characteristics that have not been seen in other types of ichthyosaur.

• Researchers report the strangest feature is a prong-like bone near its nostril
• The skull has an enormous eye socket
• A long sword-like nose that it used to eat fish and squid

Life and Death

There are also clues as to how this particular individual existed and perished.

"Its fins and dental structure are malformed in such a way that points to significant trauma or disease while the creature was still living," stated study contributor Dr Erin Maxwell.

"Its head seems to have been bitten by a sizeable hunter - likely a different considerably bigger species of ichthyosaur - providing a cause of death for this individual. Existence in ancient seas was a risky situation."

Finding and Study

This "sword dragon" was discovered in 2001 by fossil hunter Chris Moore and then acquired by the Royal Ontario Museum in Canada where it required more than 15 years to be fully analyzed.

"I don't wish to blow my own ichthyosaur trumpet but I have discovered a number of them," Mr Moore stated.

The actual number he's discovered is approximately 15, with several of them, including the "blade serpent", turning out to be new species.

Mr Moore says he is planning to celebrate the new discovery but has yet to decide precisely what form the recognition will take.

"Champagne or a mug of tea, I'm not sure which yet," he says.

The 'sword dragon' is among many ichthyosaur remains that have been found along Dorset's Jurassic Coast dating back to the first discoveries of trailblazing palaeontologist Mary Anning in the beginning of the nineteenth century.