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An almost intact fossilized frame discovered along Dorset's Jurassic Coast has been identified as a new species 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 represents the only known specimen of its type.

Scientists state that indentations on its cranium suggest the "sword dragon" may have been killed by a attack to the head, potentially inflicted by a significantly bigger species of ichthyosaur.

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

It has only recently been fully analyzed by specialists and a paper released identifying it as a new species of ichthyosaur.

"I carefully considered about the name," said ichthyosaur specialist Dr Dean Lomax, who collaborated on the paper identifying the fossil as a new species.

"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."

Prehistoric Ocean Creatures

These creatures are categorized as marine reptiles, rather than dinosaurs, because they lived entirely in the water. The discovered ichthyosaur is thought to have inhabited the oceans about 185 million years ago, a period from which very few ichthyosaur fossils 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."

Distinctive Features

The "sword dragon" is thought to have been about 3m long and has multiple characteristics that have never been observed in other species of ichthyosaur.

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

Life and Death

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

"Its fins and dental structure are abnormally shaped in such a way that points to serious injury or disease while the creature was still alive," 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 - giving us a cause of death for this individual. Life in the Mesozoic oceans was a risky situation."

Finding and Study

This "sword dragon" was discovered in 2001 by fossil hunter 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 mean to boast 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 several of them, like the "blade serpent", turning out to be new species.

The discoverer stated he is intending to commemorate the recent finding but has not yet determined exactly how the recognition will take.

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

The 'sword dragon' is one of numerous ichthyosaur remains that have been found along Dorset's Jurassic Coast dating back to the initial findings of trailblazing palaeontologist Mary Anning in the early 1800s.