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A nearly complete fossilized frame found along Dorset's Jurassic Coast has been identified as a previously unknown species of ichthyosaur, a variety of prehistoric 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 only known specimen of its kind.

Researchers state that marks on its skull suggest the "sword dragon" may have been killed by a attack to the head, potentially 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.

It has only recently been completely studied by specialists and a paper released identifying it as a previously unknown type of ichthyosaur.

"I thought long and hard about the name," said ichthyosaur expert Dr Dean Lomax, who co-authored the study identifying the fossil as a new species.

"The name Xiphodracon means sword-like dragon and that refers to that extremely elongated, sword-like snout, but also the reality that ichthyosaurs have been referred to as sea dragons for about 200 years."

Prehistoric Ocean Creatures

Ichthyosaurs are classified as marine reptiles, not dinosaurs, because they lived entirely in the water. This particular ichthyosaur is thought to have swum the seas about 185 million years ago, a time frame from which very few ichthyosaur fossils have been discovered.

"In this period ichthyosaurs are incredibly rare, and Xiphodracon is the best preserved individual ever discovered from there, contributing to close a gap," Dr Lomax stated. "It's a missing piece of the puzzle in ichthyosaur evolution."

Unique Characteristics

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

• Researchers say the strangest 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

Existence and Demise

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

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

"Its head seems to have been attacked by a sizeable hunter - likely another much larger species of ichthyosaur - giving us a reason for demise for this specimen. Existence in ancient seas was a dangerous prospect."

Discovery and Analysis

The specimen was found in 2001 by fossil hunter Chris Moore and then acquired 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 found a number of them," Mr Moore stated.

The precise count he's unearthed is somewhere in the region of 15, with multiple of them, including the "sword dragon", proving to be new species.

The discoverer stated he is intending to commemorate the recent finding but has yet to decide precisely what form the recognition will take.

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

The 'sword dragon' is among many ichthyosaur remains that have been found along Dorset's Jurassic Coast since the first discoveries of trailblazing palaeontologist Mary Anning in the early 1800s.