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

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

Researchers state that indentations on its cranium indicate the "blade serpent" may have been fatally wounded by a bite to the head, potentially inflicted by a significantly bigger type of ichthyosaur.

First discovered by a prolific fossil collector 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 experts and a research document released classifying it as a previously unknown type of ichthyosaur.

"I carefully considered about the name," said ichthyosaur expert Dr Dean Lomax, who co-authored the paper classifying the fossil as a novel type.

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

Ancient Marine Life

These creatures are categorized as marine reptiles, rather than dinosaurs, because they lived entirely in the water. The discovered ichthyosaur is thought to have swum the seas about 185 million years ago, a time frame from which very few ichthyosaur remains have been discovered.

"During this time ichthyosaurs are extremely uncommon, and Xiphodracon is the best preserved individual ever discovered from there, contributing to close a gap," Dr Lomax said. "It's a missing piece of the mystery in ichthyosaur evolution."

Distinctive Features

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

• Scientists report the strangest feature 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

Life and Death

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 living," said study contributor Dr Erin Maxwell.

"The skull seems to have been bitten by a sizeable hunter - likely another much larger type of ichthyosaur - giving us a cause of death for this individual. Existence in ancient seas was a dangerous prospect."

Discovery and Analysis

The specimen was found in 2001 by paleontology enthusiast 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 mean to boast but I have discovered a number of them," Mr Moore stated.

The actual number he's discovered is somewhere in the region of 15, with several of them, including the "sword dragon", proving to be new species.

Mr Moore says he is planning to celebrate the recent finding but has not yet determined exactly how the recognition will take.

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

The 'sword dragon' is one of numerous ichthyosaur fossils that have been found along Dorset's Jurassic Coast since the first discoveries of pioneering palaeontologist Mary Anning in the beginning of the nineteenth century.