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An almost intact fossilized frame discovered along the Jurassic Coast has been classified as a previously unknown species of ichthyosaur, a variety 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 only known specimen of its kind.

Researchers report that indentations on its cranium indicate the "blade serpent" 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 later obtained by a institution in Canada.

Only in recent times been fully analyzed by specialists and a research document released classifying it as a new species of ichthyosaur.

"I thought long and hard about the name," said 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 is in reference to that very long, sword-like nose, but also the fact that ichthyosaurs have been called sea dragons for about 200 years."

Ancient Marine Life

These creatures are categorized as marine reptiles, rather than dinosaurs, because they spent their lives in the water. This particular ichthyosaur is believed to have inhabited the oceans about 185 million years ago, a period from which very few ichthyosaur fossils 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 said. "It's a missing piece of the puzzle in ichthyosaur development."

Unique Characteristics

Researchers estimate the creature measured about 3m long and has multiple characteristics that have not been seen in other types of ichthyosaur.

• Scientists report 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 existed and perished.

"The limb bones and teeth are abnormally shaped in such a way that indicates serious injury or illness while the creature was still alive," stated study contributor Dr Erin Maxwell.

"Its head appears to have been attacked by a large predator - likely another considerably bigger type of ichthyosaur - giving us a reason for demise for this individual. Existence in ancient seas was a dangerous 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 took more than 15 years to be completely studied.

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

The actual number he's unearthed is approximately 15, with multiple of them, including the "sword dragon", proving to be previously unknown types.

Mr Moore says he is intending to commemorate the new discovery but has not yet determined exactly how the recognition will take.

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

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