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A nearly complete fossilized frame found along the Jurassic Coast has been classified as a new species of ichthyosaur, a variety of ancient marine reptile that once ruled the oceans.

This marine creature ichthyosaur has been named Xiphodracon goldencapensis, or the "sword dragon of Dorset" and stands as the sole documented specimen of its type.

Scientists state that indentations on its skull suggest the "blade serpent" may have been killed by a bite to the head, possibly inflicted by a much larger type of ichthyosaur.

First discovered by a prolific fossil hunter at Golden Cap in Dorset in 2001, the recently identified ichthyosaur was later acquired by a institution in Canada.

Only in recent times been completely studied by specialists and a research document released classifying it as a previously unknown type of ichthyosaur.

"I carefully considered about the name," stated ichthyosaur specialist Dr Dean Lomax, who co-authored 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 snout, but also the reality that ichthyosaurs have been referred to as 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. The discovered 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 incredibly rare, and Xiphodracon is the most complete individual ever found from there, helping to fill a gap," Dr Lomax said. "It's a missing piece of the mystery in ichthyosaur evolution."

Unique Characteristics

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

• Scientists say the most unusual detail is a prong-like bone near its nostril
• The skull has an enormous eye socket
• A long sword-like snout that it used to consume fish and squid

Life and Death

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

"The limb bones and teeth are malformed in such a way that indicates significant trauma or illness while the animal was still alive," stated study contributor Dr Erin Maxwell.

"The skull seems to have been attacked by a sizeable hunter - likely a different much larger species of ichthyosaur - providing a reason for demise for this specimen. Life in the Mesozoic oceans was a risky prospect."

Finding and Study

The specimen was found 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 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 several of them, like the "blade serpent", proving to be new species.

Mr Moore says he is planning to celebrate the recent finding but has not yet determined precisely what form the celebration will take.

"Champagne or a mug of tea, I'm not sure which yet," he says.

This remarkable discovery is among many ichthyosaur fossils that have been discovered along Dorset's Jurassic Coast dating back to the first discoveries of pioneering palaeontologist Mary Anning in the early 1800s.