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A nearly complete fossilized frame discovered along the Jurassic Coast has been classified as a previously unknown kind of ichthyosaur, a type of ancient marine reptile that once ruled the oceans.

This marine creature ichthyosaur has been designated Xiphodracon goldencapensis, or the "blade serpent of Dorset" and represents the sole documented specimen of its kind.

Researchers state that marks on its skull indicate the "sword dragon" may have been fatally wounded by a attack to the head, possibly inflicted by a much larger species of ichthyosaur.

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

Only in recent times been fully analyzed by experts and a paper released identifying it as a new species of ichthyosaur.

"I thought long and hard about the name," stated ichthyosaur expert Dr Dean Lomax, who collaborated on the paper identifying the skeleton as a novel type.

"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 called sea dragons for about 200 years."

Prehistoric Ocean Creatures

These creatures are categorized as marine reptiles, rather than dinosaurs, because they lived entirely in the water. This particular ichthyosaur is thought to have inhabited the oceans about 185 million years ago, a time frame from which very few ichthyosaur fossils have been discovered.

"In this period ichthyosaurs are extremely uncommon, and Xiphodracon is the most complete individual ever found from there, contributing to close a gap," Dr Lomax stated. "This represents a crucial element of the mystery in ichthyosaur development."

Unique Characteristics

Researchers estimate the creature measured about 3m in length and has multiple features that have never been observed in other species of ichthyosaur.

• Researchers say the strangest detail 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 individual lived and died.

"Its fins and dental structure are malformed in such a way that indicates significant trauma or disease while the animal was still alive," said study contributor Dr Erin Maxwell.

"The skull appears to have been attacked by a large predator - probably another considerably bigger type of ichthyosaur - giving us a cause of death for this individual. 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 required more than 15 years to be completely studied.

"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 unearthed is approximately 15, with multiple of them, including the "sword dragon", proving to be previously unknown types.

The discoverer stated he is intending to commemorate the recent finding but has not yet determined precisely what form the celebration will take.

"Either sparkling wine or traditional brew, I'm undecided at this moment," he says.

This remarkable discovery is among many 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.