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A nearly complete fossilized frame discovered along the Jurassic Coast has been identified as a previously unknown species of ichthyosaur, a type of ancient marine reptile that once dominated the oceans.

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

Scientists report that indentations on its skull suggest the "sword dragon" may have been fatally wounded by a bite to the head, potentially inflicted by a significantly bigger type of ichthyosaur.

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

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

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

"Xiphodracon translates to sword-like dragon and that is in reference to that extremely elongated, sword-like snout, but also the fact that ichthyosaurs have been called sea dragons for about 200 years."

Ancient Marine Life

Ichthyosaurs are classified as marine reptiles, rather than dinosaurs, because they lived entirely in the water. The discovered ichthyosaur is thought to have inhabited the oceans about 185 million years ago, a time frame from which very few ichthyosaur remains have been found.

"In this period ichthyosaurs are incredibly rare, and Xiphodracon is the most complete individual ever found from there, helping to fill a gap," Dr Lomax stated. "It's a missing piece of the mystery in ichthyosaur development."

Distinctive Features

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

• Scientists report the most unusual detail is a prong-like bone near its nose opening
• Its head has an exceptionally large eye socket
• An extended sword-like nose that it used to eat fish and squid

Existence and Demise

There are also clues as to how this specific specimen existed and perished.

"The limb bones and teeth are abnormally shaped in such a way that indicates significant trauma 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 - likely another considerably bigger type of ichthyosaur - giving us a reason for demise for this individual. Life in the Mesozoic oceans was a dangerous situation."

Finding and Study

This "sword dragon" was discovered in 2001 by fossil hunter Chris Moore and then obtained by the Royal Ontario Museum in Canada where it took more than 15 years to be completely studied.

"I don't wish to blow my own ichthyosaur trumpet but I have found a few of them," Mr Moore said.

The precise count he's discovered is somewhere in the region of 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 not yet determined exactly how the recognition will take.

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

This remarkable discovery is among many ichthyosaur remains that have been discovered along Dorset's Jurassic Coast dating back to the initial findings of trailblazing palaeontologist Mary Anning in the early 1800s.