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A nearly complete fossilized frame found along the Jurassic Coast has been classified as a previously unknown species of ichthyosaur, a variety 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.

Researchers state that indentations on its cranium indicate the "blade serpent" may have been killed by a bite to the head, potentially delivered by a significantly bigger type of ichthyosaur.

Initially found by a prolific fossil collector at Golden Cap in Dorset in 2001, the recently identified ichthyosaur was later obtained by a institution in Canada.

It has only recently been fully analyzed by experts and a research document released identifying it as a new species of ichthyosaur.

"I thought long and hard about the name," said ichthyosaur expert Dr Dean Lomax, who co-authored the study classifying the skeleton as a new species.

"The name Xiphodracon means sword-like dragon and that refers to that very long, sword-like nose, 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, rather than dinosaurs, because they spent their lives in the water. The discovered ichthyosaur is thought to have swum the seas about 185 million years ago, a period from which very few ichthyosaur fossils have been found.

"During this time ichthyosaurs are incredibly rare, and Xiphodracon is the best preserved individual ever found from there, contributing to close a gap," Dr Lomax said. "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 strangest feature is a prong-like bone near its nose opening
• Its head has an enormous eye socket
• A long sword-like nose that it used to consume fish and squid

Existence and Demise

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

"Its fins and dental structure are abnormally shaped in such a way that points to serious injury or disease while the creature was still living," said study contributor Dr Erin Maxwell.

"Its head seems to have been attacked by a large predator - likely a different considerably bigger species of ichthyosaur - providing a cause of death for this individual. Life in the Mesozoic oceans was a risky situation."

Finding and Study

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 few of them," Mr Moore said.

The precise count he's discovered is approximately 15, with several of them, like the "sword dragon", proving to be previously unknown types.

Mr Moore says he is intending to commemorate the new discovery but has yet to decide precisely what form 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 initial findings of pioneering palaeontologist Mary Anning in the beginning of the nineteenth century.