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A nearly complete fossilized frame discovered along Dorset's Jurassic Coast has been identified as a new kind of ichthyosaur, a variety of prehistoric 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 sole documented specimen of its type.

Scientists state that marks on its cranium indicate the "sword dragon" may have been killed by a bite to the head, possibly inflicted by a significantly bigger type of ichthyosaur.

First discovered by a experienced fossil hunter at Golden Cap in Dorset in 2001, the new ichthyosaur was later acquired by a institution in Canada.

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

"I thought long and hard about the name," stated ichthyosaur specialist Dr Dean Lomax, who co-authored the study identifying the fossil as a new species.

"The name Xiphodracon means sword-like dragon and that is in reference to that very long, sword-like nose, but also the reality that ichthyosaurs have been called sea dragons for about 200 years."

Ancient Marine Life

Ichthyosaurs are classified as marine reptiles, not dinosaurs, because they lived entirely in the water. This particular ichthyosaur is thought to have inhabited the oceans about 185 million years ago, a time frame from which very few ichthyosaur remains have been discovered.

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

Unique Characteristics

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

• Scientists say the strangest feature is a prong-like bone near its nostril
• Its head has an enormous eye socket
• An extended sword-like nose that it used to consume fish and squid

Life and Death

There are also clues as to how this particular individual lived and died.

"Its fins and dental structure are malformed in such a way that indicates serious injury or disease while the animal was still alive," said study co-author Dr Erin Maxwell.

"Its head appears to have been bitten by a large predator - probably a different considerably bigger species of ichthyosaur - providing a cause of death for this individual. Existence in ancient seas was a risky prospect."

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 took 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 somewhere in the region of 15, with several of them, like the "blade serpent", proving to be previously unknown types.

The discoverer stated he is intending to commemorate the new discovery but has not yet determined precisely what form the celebration will take.

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

This remarkable discovery is one of numerous ichthyosaur remains that have been discovered along Dorset's Jurassic Coast dating back to the initial findings of trailblazing palaeontologist Mary Anning in the beginning of the nineteenth century.