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A nearly complete fossilized frame found along Dorset's Jurassic Coast has been classified as a previously unknown species of ichthyosaur, a type of prehistoric marine reptile that once ruled the oceans.

The dolphin-sized ichthyosaur has been named Xiphodracon goldencapensis, or the "blade serpent of Dorset" and stands as the only known specimen of its type.

Researchers state that marks on its cranium suggest the "sword dragon" may have been fatally wounded by a attack to the head, possibly delivered by a significantly bigger species of ichthyosaur.

Initially found by a experienced fossil hunter at Golden Cap in Dorset in 2001, the new ichthyosaur was subsequently obtained by a museum in Canada.

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

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

"Xiphodracon translates to 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, not dinosaurs, because they lived entirely in the water. This particular ichthyosaur is thought to have inhabited the oceans about 185 million years ago, a period from which very few ichthyosaur fossils have been discovered.

"During this time ichthyosaurs are extremely uncommon, and Xiphodracon is the most complete individual ever discovered from there, helping to fill a gap," Dr Lomax stated. "This represents a crucial element 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.

• Researchers report the strangest feature is a prong-like bone near its nose opening
• The skull has an enormous eye socket
• A long sword-like nose that it used to eat fish and squid

Life and Death

Evidence also exists as to how this specific individual lived and died.

"The limb bones and teeth are abnormally shaped in such a way that indicates serious injury or illness while the creature was still living," said study co-author Dr Erin Maxwell.

"Its head seems to have been attacked by a large predator - probably another considerably bigger species of ichthyosaur - providing a cause of death for this specimen. Existence in ancient seas was a risky prospect."

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 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 precise count he's discovered is somewhere in the region of 15, with several of them, including the "sword dragon", turning out to be new species.

The discoverer stated he is planning to celebrate the recent finding but has yet to decide exactly how the recognition will take.

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

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