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A nearly complete fossilized frame discovered along the Jurassic Coast has been classified as a new species of ichthyosaur, a type of prehistoric marine reptile that once dominated the oceans.

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

Researchers state that indentations on its skull indicate the "sword dragon" may have been fatally wounded by a bite to the head, potentially delivered by a much larger type of ichthyosaur.

First discovered by a prolific fossil collector at Golden Cap in Dorset in 2001, the new ichthyosaur was subsequently obtained by a institution 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 carefully considered about the name," said ichthyosaur expert Dr Dean Lomax, who co-authored the study identifying the skeleton as a novel type.

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

Ancient Marine Life

These creatures are categorized as marine reptiles, not dinosaurs, because they spent their lives in the water. The discovered ichthyosaur is believed to have inhabited the oceans about 185 million years ago, a period from which extremely rare ichthyosaur fossils have been found.

"In this period ichthyosaurs are incredibly rare, and Xiphodracon is the most complete individual ever found from there, helping to fill a gap," Dr Lomax stated. "This represents a crucial element of the puzzle in ichthyosaur evolution."

Distinctive Features

The "sword dragon" is thought to have been about 3m in length and has several characteristics that have not been seen in other types of ichthyosaur.

• Researchers report the most unusual detail is a prong-like bone near its nostril
• The skull has an exceptionally large eye socket
• A long sword-like snout that it used to consume fish and squid

Existence and Demise

Evidence also exists as to how this specific individual lived and died.

"The limb bones and teeth are abnormally shaped in such a way that points to serious injury 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 - probably another considerably bigger species of ichthyosaur - providing a cause of death for this individual. Existence in ancient seas was a dangerous prospect."

Discovery and Analysis

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

"I don't mean to boast but I have found a number of them," Mr Moore stated.

The actual number he's discovered is approximately 15, with several of them, including the "sword dragon", proving to be new species.

Mr Moore says he is intending to commemorate the recent finding but has yet to decide exactly how the recognition will take.

"Either sparkling wine or traditional brew, I'm not sure which yet," he commented.

This remarkable discovery is among many ichthyosaur fossils that have been found along Dorset's Jurassic Coast since the first discoveries of pioneering palaeontologist Mary Anning in the early 1800s.