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

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

Scientists report that marks on its cranium indicate the "sword dragon" may have been killed by a bite to the head, potentially delivered by a much larger type of ichthyosaur.

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

Only in recent times been fully analyzed by specialists and a paper published identifying it as a previously unknown type of ichthyosaur.

"I carefully considered about the name," stated ichthyosaur specialist Dr Dean Lomax, who collaborated on the study classifying the fossil as a novel type.

"Xiphodracon translates to sword-like dragon and that refers 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, 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 time frame from which extremely rare ichthyosaur fossils have been found.

"During this time ichthyosaurs are incredibly rare, and Xiphodracon is the best preserved individual ever found from there, helping to fill a gap," Dr Lomax said. "It's a missing piece of the mystery in ichthyosaur evolution."

Unique Characteristics

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

• Scientists report the most unusual detail is a prong-like bone near its nose opening
• Its head has an exceptionally large eye socket
• A long sword-like snout that it used to consume fish and squid

Life and Death

There are also clues as to how this specific specimen existed and perished.

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

"Its head appears to have been bitten by a large predator - probably a different much larger species of ichthyosaur - giving us a reason for demise for this specimen. Existence in ancient seas was a risky situation."

Finding and Study

The specimen was found in 2001 by paleontology enthusiast Chris Moore and then obtained 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 found a number of them," Mr Moore stated.

The actual number he's discovered is somewhere in the region of 15, with multiple of them, including the "blade serpent", proving to be new species.

Mr Moore says he is intending to commemorate the new discovery but has not yet determined exactly how the celebration will take.

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

This remarkable discovery 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.