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An almost intact fossilized frame discovered along Dorset's Jurassic Coast has been identified as a previously unknown kind of ichthyosaur, a type of ancient marine reptile that once dominated the oceans.

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

Researchers report that marks on its cranium indicate the "sword dragon" may have been fatally wounded by a bite to the head, potentially inflicted by a much larger type of ichthyosaur.

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

It has only recently been fully analyzed by experts and a paper published classifying 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 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 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, 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 very few ichthyosaur remains have been discovered.

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

Distinctive Features

Researchers estimate the creature measured about 3m long and has multiple characteristics that have never been observed in other types of ichthyosaur.

• Researchers report the most unusual detail is a prong-like bone near its nose opening
• Its head has an exceptionally large eye socket
• An extended sword-like nose that it used to eat fish and squid

Existence and Demise

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

"The limb bones and teeth are abnormally shaped in such a way that indicates serious injury or illness while the animal was still living," said study co-author Dr Erin Maxwell.

"Its head appears to have been bitten by a sizeable hunter - likely another considerably bigger species of ichthyosaur - providing a cause of death for this specimen. Existence in ancient seas was a risky prospect."

Discovery and Analysis

This "sword dragon" was discovered 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 fully analyzed.

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

The actual number he's unearthed is approximately 15, with several of them, including the "sword dragon", proving to be new species.

The discoverer stated he is planning to celebrate the recent finding but has not yet determined precisely what form the recognition will take.

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

This remarkable discovery is one of numerous ichthyosaur remains that have been discovered along Dorset's Jurassic Coast dating back to the first discoveries of trailblazing palaeontologist Mary Anning in the early 1800s.