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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 ancient marine reptile that once dominated the oceans.

The dolphin-sized ichthyosaur has been designated Xiphodracon goldencapensis, or the "blade serpent of Dorset" and represents the only known example of its type.

Scientists report that indentations on its cranium suggest the "blade serpent" may have been killed by a bite to the head, possibly inflicted by a significantly bigger type of ichthyosaur.

First discovered by a prolific fossil collector at Golden Cap in Dorset in 2001, the new ichthyosaur was subsequently acquired by a institution in Canada.

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

"I thought long and hard about the name," said ichthyosaur expert Dr Dean Lomax, who collaborated on the study classifying the fossil as a novel type.

"The name Xiphodracon means sword-like dragon and that refers 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, not dinosaurs, because they spent their lives in the water. The discovered ichthyosaur is believed to have swum the seas about 185 million years ago, a period from which extremely rare ichthyosaur remains have been discovered.

"During this time ichthyosaurs are incredibly rare, and Xiphodracon is the most complete individual ever discovered from there, contributing to close a gap," Dr Lomax stated. "This represents a crucial element of the puzzle in ichthyosaur development."

Unique Characteristics

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

• Researchers say the most unusual detail is a prong-like bone near its nose opening
• The skull has an exceptionally large eye socket
• An extended sword-like nose 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 indicates serious injury or disease while the creature was still alive," said study co-author Dr Erin Maxwell.

"Its head seems to have been attacked by a sizeable hunter - probably another much larger species of ichthyosaur - providing a cause of death for this specimen. Life in the Mesozoic oceans was a dangerous prospect."

Discovery and Analysis

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 wish to blow my own ichthyosaur trumpet but I have found a number of them," Mr Moore stated.

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

Mr Moore says he is intending to commemorate the new discovery but has yet to decide precisely what form the celebration will take.

"Either sparkling wine or traditional brew, I'm not sure which yet," he says.

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