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A nearly complete fossilized frame found along Dorset's Jurassic Coast has been classified as a previously unknown species 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 stands as the sole documented example of its type.

Researchers state that indentations on its skull suggest the "blade serpent" may have been fatally wounded by a bite 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 new ichthyosaur was subsequently acquired by a institution in Canada.

It has only recently been completely studied by experts and a research document 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 paper classifying the skeleton as a novel type.

"The name Xiphodracon means sword-like dragon and that is in reference to that very long, sword-like nose, but also the reality 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 extremely rare ichthyosaur fossils have been found.

"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 species of ichthyosaur.

• Scientists report the most unusual feature is a fork-shaped bone near its nostril
• The skull has an enormous eye socket
• An extended sword-like nose that it used to consume fish and squid

Life and Death

There are also clues as to how this particular individual lived and died.

"The limb bones and teeth are malformed in such a way that indicates serious injury or disease while the animal was still alive," stated study co-author Dr Erin Maxwell.

"The skull seems to have been attacked by a sizeable hunter - probably a different much larger species of ichthyosaur - providing a reason for demise for this individual. Life in the Mesozoic oceans was a dangerous situation."

Finding and Study

The specimen was found in 2001 by paleontology enthusiast Chris Moore and then acquired by the Royal Ontario Museum in Canada where it took more than 15 years to be fully analyzed.

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

The precise count he's discovered is approximately 15, with multiple of them, like the "sword dragon", proving to be new species.

Mr Moore says he is intending to commemorate 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.

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