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An almost intact fossilized frame found along Dorset's Jurassic Coast has been identified as a previously unknown species of ichthyosaur, a type of prehistoric 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 only known example of its kind.

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

Initially found by a experienced fossil collector at Golden Cap in Dorset in 2001, the recently identified ichthyosaur was later obtained by a institution in Canada.

It has only recently been completely studied by specialists and a research document published classifying it as a new species of ichthyosaur.

"I thought long and hard about the name," stated ichthyosaur specialist Dr Dean Lomax, who co-authored the paper identifying the fossil as a novel type.

"The name Xiphodracon means sword-like dragon and that is in reference to that very long, sword-like snout, but also the reality that ichthyosaurs have been referred to as sea dragons for about 200 years."

Ancient Marine Life

Ichthyosaurs are classified as marine reptiles, rather than dinosaurs, because they spent their lives in the water. The discovered ichthyosaur is thought to have inhabited the oceans about 185 million years ago, a period from which very few ichthyosaur fossils have been discovered.

"In this period ichthyosaurs are extremely uncommon, and Xiphodracon is the best preserved individual ever discovered from there, helping to fill a gap," Dr Lomax said. "This represents a crucial element of the mystery in ichthyosaur evolution."

Unique Characteristics

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

• Researchers say the most unusual feature is a fork-shaped bone near its nose opening
• The skull has an exceptionally large eye socket
• A long sword-like snout that it used to eat fish and squid

Life and Death

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

"Its fins and dental structure are abnormally shaped in such a way that indicates serious injury or disease while the animal was still living," stated study contributor Dr Erin Maxwell.

"Its head seems to have been attacked by a sizeable hunter - likely a different much larger species of ichthyosaur - giving us a cause of death for this individual. 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 acquired 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 few of them," Mr Moore said.

The actual number he's discovered is somewhere in the region of 15, with multiple of them, like the "sword dragon", proving 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 recognition will take.

"Either sparkling wine or traditional brew, 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 trailblazing palaeontologist Mary Anning in the beginning of the nineteenth century.