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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 sole documented example of its kind.

Scientists report that indentations on its cranium suggest the "blade serpent" may have been fatally wounded by a bite to the head, possibly delivered by a significantly bigger species of ichthyosaur.

Initially found by a prolific fossil hunter at Golden Cap in Dorset in 2001, the recently identified ichthyosaur was later acquired by a institution in Canada.

It has only recently been completely studied by experts and a research document published identifying it as a previously unknown type of ichthyosaur.

"I thought long and hard about the name," stated ichthyosaur specialist Dr Dean Lomax, who collaborated on 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 fact that ichthyosaurs have been referred to as sea dragons for about 200 years."

Prehistoric Ocean Creatures

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

"During this time ichthyosaurs are incredibly rare, and Xiphodracon is the best preserved individual ever found from there, contributing to close a gap," Dr Lomax said. "This represents a crucial element of the puzzle in ichthyosaur development."

Distinctive Features

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

• Researchers say the most unusual detail is a fork-shaped bone near its nostril
• The skull has an exceptionally large eye socket
• An extended sword-like snout that it used to eat fish and squid

Life and Death

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

"Its fins and dental structure are malformed in such a way that indicates serious injury or disease while the creature was still living," stated study co-author Dr Erin Maxwell.

"The skull seems to have been attacked by a large predator - likely a different considerably bigger type of ichthyosaur - providing a reason for demise for this specimen. Life in the Mesozoic oceans was a risky situation."

Finding and Study

The specimen was found in 2001 by fossil hunter Chris Moore and then acquired 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 number of them," Mr Moore said.

The actual number he's unearthed is approximately 15, with multiple of them, including the "sword dragon", turning out to be new species.

The discoverer stated he is planning to celebrate the recent finding but has not yet determined precisely what form the recognition will take.

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

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