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An almost intact fossilized frame discovered along the Jurassic Coast has been classified as a new kind of ichthyosaur, a type of prehistoric marine reptile that once dominated the oceans.

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

Researchers state that indentations on its skull indicate the "sword dragon" may have been killed by a bite to the head, possibly delivered by a much larger species 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 specialists and a paper released identifying it as a previously unknown type of ichthyosaur.

"I thought long and hard about the name," stated ichthyosaur specialist Dr Dean Lomax, who co-authored the paper classifying the skeleton as a novel type.

"The name Xiphodracon means sword-like dragon and that refers to that extremely elongated, sword-like nose, 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, rather than 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 very few ichthyosaur remains have been found.

"During this time ichthyosaurs are extremely uncommon, and Xiphodracon is the best preserved individual ever found from there, helping to fill a gap," Dr Lomax stated. "This represents a crucial element of the mystery in ichthyosaur evolution."

Unique Characteristics

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

• Scientists say the most unusual feature is a fork-shaped bone near its nose opening
• Its head has an exceptionally large eye socket
• An extended sword-like snout that it used to consume fish and squid

Existence and Demise

Evidence also exists as to how this specific specimen lived and died.

"Its fins and dental structure are abnormally shaped in such a way that points to serious injury or illness while the animal was still living," stated study contributor Dr Erin Maxwell.

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

Discovery and Analysis

This "sword dragon" was discovered 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 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 somewhere in the region of 15, with multiple of them, like the "sword dragon", proving to be new species.

Mr Moore says he is intending to commemorate the new discovery but has yet to decide exactly how the recognition will take.

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

This remarkable discovery is among many ichthyosaur fossils that have been found along Dorset's Jurassic Coast since the first discoveries of pioneering palaeontologist Mary Anning in the beginning of the nineteenth century.