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An almost intact 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 designated Xiphodracon goldencapensis, or the "blade serpent of Dorset" and represents the only known example of its type.

Scientists state that indentations on its skull suggest the "sword dragon" may have been killed by a bite to the head, possibly 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 acquired by a institution in Canada.

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

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

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

Prehistoric Ocean Creatures

Ichthyosaurs are classified as marine reptiles, not 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 extremely rare ichthyosaur fossils have been discovered.

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

Distinctive Features

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

• Researchers report the most unusual feature is a fork-shaped bone near its nostril
• The skull has an exceptionally large eye socket
• An extended 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.

"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 co-author Dr Erin Maxwell.

"Its head seems to have been bitten by a large predator - likely a different considerably bigger species of ichthyosaur - giving us a reason for demise for this individual. Existence in ancient seas was a dangerous prospect."

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 required more than 15 years to be completely studied.

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

The precise count he's unearthed is approximately 15, with multiple of them, including the "blade serpent", 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 celebration will take.

"Champagne or a mug of tea, I'm not sure which yet," he commented.

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.