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

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

Researchers report that indentations on its skull indicate the "sword dragon" may have been killed by a attack to the head, potentially delivered by a significantly bigger species of ichthyosaur.

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

Only in recent times been fully analyzed 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 study 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 called sea dragons for about 200 years."

Prehistoric Ocean Creatures

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

"In this period ichthyosaurs are extremely uncommon, and Xiphodracon is the most complete individual ever found from there, contributing to close a gap," Dr Lomax stated. "This represents a crucial element of the puzzle in ichthyosaur development."

Distinctive Features

The "sword dragon" is thought to have been about 3m long and has multiple characteristics that have never been observed in other species of ichthyosaur.

• Scientists say the strangest feature is a fork-shaped bone near its nose opening
• Its head 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 lived and died.

"The limb bones and teeth are abnormally shaped in such a way that points to significant trauma or disease while the animal was still living," stated study contributor Dr Erin Maxwell.

"Its head appears to have been attacked by a large predator - probably another much larger type of ichthyosaur - giving us a reason for demise for this individual. Life in the Mesozoic oceans was a dangerous situation."

Discovery and Analysis

This "sword dragon" was discovered in 2001 by fossil hunter Chris Moore and then obtained 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 discovered a few of them," Mr Moore said.

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

The discoverer stated 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 not sure which yet," he says.

This remarkable discovery is among many ichthyosaur remains 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.