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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 variety of prehistoric marine reptile that once dominated the oceans.

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

Researchers state that marks on its skull suggest the "sword dragon" may have been fatally wounded by a bite to the head, possibly inflicted by a much larger species of ichthyosaur.

First discovered by a prolific fossil hunter at Golden Cap in Dorset in 2001, the recently identified ichthyosaur was subsequently obtained by a museum in Canada.

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

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

"Xiphodracon translates to sword-like dragon and that is in reference to that extremely elongated, sword-like nose, but also the fact 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 spent their lives in the water. This particular ichthyosaur is believed to have swum the seas about 185 million years ago, a period from which extremely rare ichthyosaur fossils have been found.

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

Unique Characteristics

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

• Scientists report the strangest detail is a fork-shaped bone near its nose opening
• Its head has an enormous eye socket
• A long sword-like snout that it used to consume fish and squid

Existence and Demise

Evidence also exists as to how this specific individual existed and perished.

"Its fins and dental structure are malformed in such a way that indicates significant trauma or illness while the animal was still alive," stated study contributor Dr Erin Maxwell.

"Its head appears to have been bitten by a large predator - likely another considerably bigger species of ichthyosaur - giving us a reason for demise for this individual. Existence in ancient seas was a dangerous prospect."

Finding and Study

The specimen was found in 2001 by fossil hunter Chris Moore and then acquired by the Royal Ontario Museum in Canada where it required more than 15 years to be fully analyzed.

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

The actual number he's unearthed is somewhere in the region of 15, with multiple of them, like the "sword dragon", turning out to be previously unknown types.

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

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

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 pioneering palaeontologist Mary Anning in the early 1800s.