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An almost intact fossilized frame discovered along the Jurassic Coast has been classified as a new species of ichthyosaur, a type of prehistoric marine reptile that once dominated the oceans.

The dolphin-sized ichthyosaur has been named Xiphodracon goldencapensis, or the "sword dragon of Dorset" and stands as the sole documented specimen of its type.

Scientists report that indentations on its skull indicate the "blade serpent" may have been fatally wounded by a bite to the head, possibly delivered by a significantly bigger species of ichthyosaur.

Initially found by a experienced fossil collector at Golden Cap in Dorset in 2001, the recently identified ichthyosaur was subsequently acquired by a institution in Canada.

It has only recently been completely studied by experts and a research document released classifying it as a previously unknown type of ichthyosaur.

"I carefully considered about the name," stated ichthyosaur expert Dr Dean Lomax, who collaborated on the paper identifying the fossil as a new species.

"The name Xiphodracon means sword-like dragon and that is in reference 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

These creatures are categorized as marine reptiles, not dinosaurs, because they lived entirely in the water. The discovered ichthyosaur is thought 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 extremely uncommon, and Xiphodracon is the best preserved individual ever found from there, contributing to close 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 several features that have not been seen in other species of ichthyosaur.

• Scientists report the most unusual feature is a prong-like 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

Life and Death

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

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

"The skull seems to have been attacked by a large predator - likely a different much larger type of ichthyosaur - giving us a reason for demise for this individual. Life in the Mesozoic oceans was a dangerous prospect."

Discovery and Analysis

This "sword dragon" was discovered in 2001 by paleontology enthusiast Chris Moore and then acquired by the Royal Ontario Museum in Canada where it took more than 15 years to be fully analyzed.

"I don't mean to boast but I have found a few of them," Mr Moore stated.

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

Mr Moore says he is intending to commemorate the new discovery but has yet to decide exactly how the recognition will take.

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

This remarkable discovery is one of numerous ichthyosaur fossils that have been discovered along Dorset's Jurassic Coast since the first discoveries of trailblazing palaeontologist Mary Anning in the beginning of the nineteenth century.