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An almost intact fossilized frame found along Dorset's Jurassic Coast has been classified 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 only known specimen of its kind.

Researchers state that indentations on its skull suggest the "sword dragon" may have been killed by a bite to the head, possibly delivered by a significantly bigger species of ichthyosaur.

Initially found by a experienced fossil hunter at Golden Cap in Dorset in 2001, the new ichthyosaur was later acquired by a institution in Canada.

It has only recently 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 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 snout, but also the reality that ichthyosaurs have been referred to as sea dragons for about 200 years."

Ancient Marine Life

These creatures are categorized as marine reptiles, rather than dinosaurs, because they lived entirely in the water. The discovered ichthyosaur is believed to have inhabited the oceans about 185 million years ago, a period from which extremely rare ichthyosaur remains have been discovered.

"In this period ichthyosaurs are extremely uncommon, and Xiphodracon is the best preserved individual ever found from there, contributing to close a gap," Dr Lomax stated. "This represents a crucial element of the puzzle 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 fork-shaped bone near its nose opening
• The skull has an enormous eye socket
• An extended sword-like snout that it used to eat fish and squid

Life and Death

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

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

"The skull seems to have been bitten by a large predator - probably another considerably bigger type 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 took more than 15 years to be completely studied.

"I don't wish to blow my own ichthyosaur trumpet but I have found a few of them," Mr Moore stated.

The precise count he's unearthed is approximately 15, with multiple of them, like the "blade serpent", proving to be new species.

The discoverer stated he is planning to celebrate the new discovery but has not yet determined exactly how the celebration will take.

"Either sparkling wine or traditional brew, I'm not sure which yet," he says.

The 'sword dragon' is one of numerous ichthyosaur remains that have been found along Dorset's Jurassic Coast dating back to the first discoveries of pioneering palaeontologist Mary Anning in the beginning of the nineteenth century.