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

The dolphin-sized ichthyosaur has been designated Xiphodracon goldencapensis, or the "blade serpent of Dorset" and stands as the only known example of its type.

Scientists report that marks on its cranium suggest the "blade serpent" may have been killed by a attack to the head, possibly inflicted by a much larger type of ichthyosaur.

Initially found by a experienced fossil collector at Golden Cap in Dorset in 2001, the new ichthyosaur was subsequently acquired by a institution in Canada.

Only in recent times been fully analyzed by specialists and a paper published identifying it as a new species of ichthyosaur.

"I thought long and hard about the name," said ichthyosaur expert Dr Dean Lomax, who co-authored the study classifying the skeleton as a new species.

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

Prehistoric Ocean Creatures

These creatures are categorized 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 found.

"During this time ichthyosaurs are extremely uncommon, and Xiphodracon is the most complete individual ever discovered from there, helping to fill a gap," Dr Lomax said. "This represents a crucial element of the puzzle in ichthyosaur development."

Unique Characteristics

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

• Researchers say the most unusual detail is a prong-like bone near its nose opening
• The skull has an exceptionally large eye socket
• An extended sword-like nose that it used to consume fish and squid

Existence and Demise

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

"Its fins and dental structure are malformed in such a way that points to serious injury or illness while the creature was still living," said study contributor Dr Erin Maxwell.

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

Discovery and Analysis

This "sword dragon" was discovered in 2001 by paleontology enthusiast 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 found a number of them," Mr Moore said.

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

The discoverer stated he is intending to commemorate the new discovery but has yet to decide 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 discovered along Dorset's Jurassic Coast since the initial findings of pioneering palaeontologist Mary Anning in the early 1800s.