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A nearly complete fossilized frame discovered along the Jurassic Coast has been identified as a previously unknown species of ichthyosaur, a type of ancient marine reptile that once ruled the oceans.

This marine creature ichthyosaur has been designated Xiphodracon goldencapensis, or the "sword dragon of Dorset" and represents the only known specimen of its kind.

Scientists state that indentations on its skull indicate the "sword dragon" may have been fatally wounded by a bite to the head, possibly inflicted by a significantly bigger type of ichthyosaur.

Initially found by a experienced fossil collector at Golden Cap in Dorset in 2001, the new ichthyosaur was subsequently obtained by a museum in Canada.

It has only recently been fully analyzed by experts and a research document published classifying it as a previously unknown type of ichthyosaur.

"I thought long and hard about the name," stated ichthyosaur specialist Dr Dean Lomax, who collaborated on the study identifying the fossil as a novel type.

"Xiphodracon translates to sword-like dragon and that is in reference to that extremely elongated, sword-like snout, but also the fact that ichthyosaurs have been called sea dragons for about 200 years."

Prehistoric Ocean Creatures

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 extremely rare ichthyosaur fossils have been discovered.

"In this period ichthyosaurs are extremely uncommon, and Xiphodracon is the best preserved individual ever discovered from there, helping to fill a gap," Dr Lomax stated. "This represents a crucial element of the mystery in ichthyosaur development."

Distinctive Features

Researchers estimate the creature measured about 3m in length and has several characteristics that have never been observed in other types of ichthyosaur.

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

Life and Death

Evidence also exists as to how this particular individual existed and perished.

"The limb bones and teeth are malformed in such a way that points to serious injury or disease while the creature was still living," said study co-author Dr Erin Maxwell.

"The skull seems to have been bitten by a sizeable hunter - probably another much larger type of ichthyosaur - giving us a cause of death for this individual. Life in the Mesozoic oceans was a dangerous prospect."

Finding and Study

This "sword dragon" was discovered in 2001 by paleontology enthusiast Chris Moore and then acquired by the Royal Ontario Museum in Canada where it took 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 said.

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

Mr Moore says he is planning to celebrate the new discovery but has not yet determined precisely what form the recognition will take.

"Either sparkling wine or traditional brew, I'm undecided at this moment," he commented.

The 'sword dragon' is one of numerous 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.