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An almost intact fossilized frame found along Dorset's Jurassic Coast has been classified as a previously unknown kind of ichthyosaur, a type of ancient marine reptile that once ruled the oceans.

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

Researchers 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 recently identified ichthyosaur was subsequently obtained by a museum in Canada.

It has only recently been fully analyzed by specialists and a research document released identifying it as a new species of ichthyosaur.

"I carefully considered about the name," stated ichthyosaur specialist Dr Dean Lomax, who co-authored the paper classifying the fossil as a new species.

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

Ancient Marine Life

Ichthyosaurs are classified as marine reptiles, rather than dinosaurs, because they lived entirely in the water. This particular ichthyosaur is believed to have inhabited the oceans about 185 million years ago, a period from which very few ichthyosaur fossils have been discovered.

"In this period ichthyosaurs are extremely uncommon, and Xiphodracon is the best preserved individual ever discovered from there, helping to fill a gap," Dr Lomax stated. "It's a missing piece of the puzzle in ichthyosaur development."

Distinctive Features

The "sword dragon" is thought to have been about 3m long and has several characteristics that have not been seen in other types of ichthyosaur.

• Scientists report the most unusual feature is a prong-like bone near its nose opening
• Its head has an enormous eye socket
• An extended sword-like nose that it used to eat fish and squid

Existence and Demise

There are also clues as to how this particular specimen lived and died.

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

"The skull seems to have been attacked by a large predator - likely another considerably bigger species of ichthyosaur - providing a reason for demise for this individual. Existence in ancient seas was a dangerous situation."

Finding and Study

This "sword dragon" was discovered in 2001 by fossil hunter Chris Moore and then acquired by the Royal Ontario Museum in Canada where it required 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 said.

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

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

"Champagne or a mug of tea, I'm undecided at this moment," he says.

This remarkable discovery is among many ichthyosaur remains that have been found along Dorset's Jurassic Coast dating back to the first discoveries of pioneering palaeontologist Mary Anning in the beginning of the nineteenth century.