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An almost intact fossilized frame found along Dorset's Jurassic Coast has been identified as a new kind of ichthyosaur, a type of prehistoric 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 report that marks on its cranium indicate the "sword dragon" may have been fatally wounded by a attack to the head, potentially delivered 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 later acquired by a museum in Canada.

It has only recently been completely studied by specialists and a paper published classifying it as a new species of ichthyosaur.

"I carefully considered about the name," said ichthyosaur expert Dr Dean Lomax, who co-authored the study classifying the fossil as a new species.

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

Ancient Marine Life

Ichthyosaurs are classified 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 very few ichthyosaur fossils have been discovered.

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

Unique Characteristics

The "sword dragon" is thought to have been about 3m long and has several characteristics that have never been observed in other species of ichthyosaur.

• Researchers report the strangest detail is a fork-shaped bone near its nostril
• Its head has an exceptionally large eye socket
• An extended sword-like snout that it used to eat fish and squid

Existence and Demise

Evidence also exists as to how this particular specimen lived and died.

"Its fins and dental structure are abnormally shaped in such a way that points to significant trauma or disease while the animal was still living," stated study contributor Dr Erin Maxwell.

"The skull appears to have been bitten by a sizeable hunter - probably a different much larger type of ichthyosaur - providing a cause of death for this specimen. Life in the Mesozoic oceans was a dangerous situation."

Finding and Study

The specimen was found 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 discovered a few of them," Mr Moore said.

The actual number he's discovered is approximately 15, with multiple of them, including the "blade serpent", proving to be previously unknown types.

The discoverer stated he is planning to celebrate the new discovery but has yet to decide exactly how the celebration will take.

"Champagne or a mug of tea, I'm undecided at this moment," he says.

The 'sword dragon' is among many ichthyosaur remains that have been found along Dorset's Jurassic Coast since the first discoveries of trailblazing palaeontologist Mary Anning in the beginning of the nineteenth century.