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

This marine creature ichthyosaur has been named Xiphodracon goldencapensis, or the "sword dragon of Dorset" and represents the only known specimen of its kind.

Scientists report that indentations on its skull suggest the "blade serpent" may have been fatally wounded by a bite to the head, potentially inflicted by a much larger species of ichthyosaur.

First discovered by a experienced fossil collector at Golden Cap in Dorset in 2001, the new ichthyosaur was subsequently obtained by a museum in Canada.

It has only recently been completely studied by specialists and a research document published classifying it as a previously unknown type of ichthyosaur.

"I carefully considered about the name," stated ichthyosaur expert Dr Dean Lomax, who collaborated on the study identifying the fossil as a new species.

"The name Xiphodracon means sword-like dragon and that refers to that extremely elongated, sword-like snout, but also the fact that ichthyosaurs have been referred to as 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. This particular ichthyosaur is believed to have swum the seas about 185 million years ago, a time frame from which very few ichthyosaur remains have been found.

"In this period ichthyosaurs are extremely uncommon, and Xiphodracon is the best preserved individual ever discovered from there, helping to fill a gap," Dr Lomax said. "It's a missing piece of the mystery 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 say the strangest detail is a prong-like bone near its nostril
• The skull has an enormous eye socket
• An extended sword-like nose that it used to eat fish and squid

Life and Death

There are also clues as to how this specific individual existed and perished.

"Its fins and dental structure are abnormally shaped in such a way that points to significant trauma or illness while the animal was still alive," said study co-author Dr Erin Maxwell.

"The skull appears to have been bitten by a large predator - probably a different considerably bigger type of ichthyosaur - giving us a reason for demise for this specimen. Life in the Mesozoic oceans was a risky prospect."

Finding and Study

This "sword dragon" was discovered in 2001 by paleontology enthusiast Chris Moore and then obtained 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 discovered a number of them," Mr Moore said.

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

Mr Moore says he is planning to celebrate the new discovery but has not yet determined exactly how the celebration will take.

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

This remarkable discovery is among many ichthyosaur fossils 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.