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An almost intact fossilized frame found along Dorset's Jurassic Coast has been classified as a new species of ichthyosaur, a variety of prehistoric marine reptile that once dominated 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.

Researchers report that marks on its cranium indicate the "blade serpent" may have been killed by a bite to the head, possibly inflicted by a significantly bigger species of ichthyosaur.

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

Only in recent times been completely studied by specialists and a paper published classifying it as a previously unknown type of ichthyosaur.

"I carefully considered about the name," said 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 is in reference to that extremely elongated, sword-like nose, but also the fact that ichthyosaurs have been referred to as sea dragons for about 200 years."

Ancient Marine Life

Ichthyosaurs are classified as marine reptiles, rather than dinosaurs, because they lived entirely in the water. The discovered ichthyosaur is thought to have swum the seas about 185 million years ago, a period from which extremely rare ichthyosaur remains have been found.

"During this time ichthyosaurs are extremely uncommon, and Xiphodracon is the best preserved 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

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

• Researchers say the most unusual feature is a fork-shaped bone near its nose opening
• The skull has an exceptionally large eye socket
• A long sword-like snout that it used to consume fish and squid

Existence and Demise

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

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

"The skull appears to have been bitten by a large predator - probably a different much larger type of ichthyosaur - providing a reason for demise for this specimen. Life in the Mesozoic oceans was a risky prospect."

Discovery and Analysis

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

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

The precise count he's discovered is approximately 15, with several of them, including the "blade serpent", proving to be new species.

The discoverer stated he is intending to commemorate the recent finding but has not yet determined exactly how the recognition will take.

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

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 pioneering palaeontologist Mary Anning in the beginning of the nineteenth century.