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

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

Researchers state that marks on its cranium suggest the "sword dragon" may have been fatally wounded by a bite to the head, possibly inflicted by a significantly bigger type of ichthyosaur.

First discovered by a prolific fossil hunter at Golden Cap in Dorset in 2001, the recently identified ichthyosaur was later obtained by a museum in Canada.

Only in recent times been fully analyzed by experts and a paper released classifying it as a new species of ichthyosaur.

"I carefully considered about the name," said ichthyosaur expert Dr Dean Lomax, who co-authored the paper identifying the skeleton as a new species.

"The name Xiphodracon means sword-like dragon and that refers to that very long, sword-like nose, 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 believed to have swum the seas about 185 million years ago, a time frame from which very few ichthyosaur remains have been found.

"During this time ichthyosaurs are incredibly rare, and Xiphodracon is the best preserved individual ever found from there, helping to fill a gap," Dr Lomax stated. "It's a missing piece of the mystery in ichthyosaur evolution."

Unique Characteristics

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

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

"The limb bones and teeth are malformed in such a way that indicates serious injury or illness while the animal was still living," said study co-author Dr Erin Maxwell.

"The skull appears to have been attacked by a large predator - probably a different much larger type of ichthyosaur - giving us a cause of death for this individual. Existence in ancient seas was a risky situation."

Finding and Study

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 wish to blow my own ichthyosaur trumpet but I have found a few of them," Mr Moore stated.

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

The discoverer stated he is intending to commemorate the recent finding but has yet to decide 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 fossils that have been discovered along Dorset's Jurassic Coast dating back to the first discoveries of trailblazing palaeontologist Mary Anning in the beginning of the nineteenth century.