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An almost intact fossilized frame discovered along Dorset's Jurassic Coast has been identified as a previously unknown kind of ichthyosaur, a variety of prehistoric marine reptile that once dominated the oceans.

The dolphin-sized ichthyosaur has been designated Xiphodracon goldencapensis, or the "sword dragon of Dorset" and stands as the sole documented specimen of its kind.

Researchers state that marks on its cranium indicate the "blade serpent" may have been fatally wounded by a bite to the head, potentially inflicted by a significantly bigger type of ichthyosaur.

First discovered by a prolific fossil collector at Golden Cap in Dorset in 2001, the new ichthyosaur was subsequently obtained by a museum in Canada.

Only in recent times been completely studied by experts and a paper published identifying it as a new species of ichthyosaur.

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

"Xiphodracon translates to sword-like dragon and that refers to that extremely elongated, sword-like nose, but also the reality that ichthyosaurs have been referred to as sea dragons for about 200 years."

Ancient Marine Life

These creatures are categorized as marine reptiles, not dinosaurs, because they spent their lives in the water. The discovered ichthyosaur is thought to have swum the seas about 185 million years ago, a period from which extremely rare ichthyosaur fossils have been discovered.

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

Unique Characteristics

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

• Researchers say the most unusual detail is a prong-like bone near its nose opening
• Its head has an enormous eye socket
• A long sword-like nose that it used to eat fish and squid

Existence and Demise

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 serious injury or illness while the animal was still alive," said study co-author Dr Erin Maxwell.

"Its head seems to have been attacked by a sizeable hunter - probably another considerably bigger species of ichthyosaur - giving us a cause of death for this individual. Existence in ancient seas was a risky situation."

Discovery and Analysis

This "sword dragon" was discovered in 2001 by paleontology enthusiast Chris Moore and then acquired by the Royal Ontario Museum in Canada where it required more than 15 years to be completely studied.

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

The precise count he's unearthed is approximately 15, with several of them, like the "blade serpent", turning out to be previously unknown types.

Mr Moore says he is planning to celebrate the recent finding but has yet to decide precisely what form the celebration will take.

"Either sparkling wine or traditional brew, I'm not sure which yet," he commented.

This remarkable discovery is among many ichthyosaur fossils that have been found along Dorset's Jurassic Coast since the first discoveries of trailblazing palaeontologist Mary Anning in the early 1800s.