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A nearly complete fossilized frame found along Dorset's Jurassic Coast has been identified as a previously unknown kind of ichthyosaur, a variety of prehistoric marine reptile that once ruled the oceans.

This marine creature ichthyosaur has been named Xiphodracon goldencapensis, or the "blade serpent of Dorset" and stands as the only known example of its type.

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

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

"I thought long and hard 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 is in reference to that extremely elongated, sword-like snout, but also the reality 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 spent their lives in the water. This particular ichthyosaur is believed to have swum the seas about 185 million years ago, a period from which extremely rare ichthyosaur fossils have been found.

"During this time ichthyosaurs are extremely uncommon, and Xiphodracon is the best preserved individual ever discovered from there, helping to fill a gap," Dr Lomax said. "This represents a crucial element of the mystery in ichthyosaur development."

Unique Characteristics

The "sword dragon" is thought to have been about 3m long and has multiple features that have never been observed in other types of ichthyosaur.

• Scientists report the strangest feature is a prong-like bone near its nose opening
• The skull has an enormous eye socket
• A long sword-like nose that it used to consume fish and squid

Life and Death

Evidence also exists as to how this specific individual existed and perished.

"The limb bones and teeth are malformed in such a way that indicates significant trauma or disease while the creature was still living," stated study contributor Dr Erin Maxwell.

"Its head appears to have been attacked by a sizeable hunter - probably a different much larger species of ichthyosaur - providing a cause of death for this individual. Life in the Mesozoic oceans was a dangerous situation."

Discovery and Analysis

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

The actual number he's discovered is somewhere in the region of 15, with several of them, like the "sword dragon", proving to be new species.

Mr Moore says he is intending to commemorate the new discovery but has not yet determined precisely what form the recognition will take.

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

The 'sword dragon' is among many ichthyosaur fossils that have been found along Dorset's Jurassic Coast since the first discoveries of trailblazing palaeontologist Mary Anning in the early 1800s.