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A nearly complete fossilized frame found along the Jurassic Coast has been identified as a new species of ichthyosaur, a type of ancient marine reptile that once dominated 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 state that indentations on its skull indicate the "sword dragon" may have been fatally wounded by a bite to the head, potentially inflicted by a much larger type of ichthyosaur.

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

It has only recently been completely studied by specialists and a research document released classifying it as a new species of ichthyosaur.

"I thought long and hard about the name," said ichthyosaur specialist Dr Dean Lomax, who co-authored the paper identifying the fossil as a novel type.

"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 called sea dragons for about 200 years."

Prehistoric Ocean Creatures

Ichthyosaurs are classified as marine reptiles, rather than dinosaurs, because they lived entirely in the water. The discovered ichthyosaur is thought to have inhabited the oceans about 185 million years ago, a time frame from which extremely rare ichthyosaur remains have been found.

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

Unique Characteristics

Researchers estimate the creature measured about 3m long and has multiple characteristics that have never been observed in other types of ichthyosaur.

• Scientists say the strangest feature is a fork-shaped bone near its nostril
• Its head has an enormous eye socket
• An extended sword-like snout that it used to consume fish and squid

Life and Death

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

"Its fins and dental structure are malformed in such a way that indicates serious injury or illness while the animal was still alive," stated study contributor Dr Erin Maxwell.

"Its head seems to have been bitten by a sizeable hunter - likely a different much larger type of ichthyosaur - providing a reason for demise for this individual. Existence in ancient seas was a risky situation."

Finding and Study

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 completely studied.

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

The precise count he's discovered is somewhere in the region of 15, with multiple of them, like the "blade serpent", turning out to be previously unknown types.

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

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

The 'sword dragon' is among many ichthyosaur fossils that have been found along Dorset's Jurassic Coast dating back to the initial findings of trailblazing palaeontologist Mary Anning in the early 1800s.