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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 "sword dragon of Dorset" and stands as the only known example of its type.

Researchers report that marks on its skull suggest the "sword dragon" may have been killed by a attack 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 recently identified ichthyosaur was subsequently obtained by a museum 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 collaborated on the paper classifying the fossil as a new species.

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

Prehistoric Ocean Creatures

Ichthyosaurs are classified as marine reptiles, not dinosaurs, because they spent their lives in the water. The discovered ichthyosaur is believed to have swum the seas about 185 million years ago, a time frame from which very few ichthyosaur fossils have been discovered.

"In this period 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 mystery in ichthyosaur evolution."

Unique Characteristics

The "sword dragon" is thought to have been about 3m in length and has multiple features that have never been observed in other species of ichthyosaur.

• Scientists say the strangest detail is a fork-shaped bone near its nose opening
• Its head has an exceptionally large eye socket
• A long sword-like nose that it used to eat fish and squid

Life and Death

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 disease while the animal was still alive," stated study contributor Dr Erin Maxwell.

"The skull seems to have been attacked by a sizeable hunter - probably 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

The specimen was found in 2001 by fossil hunter 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 wish to blow my own ichthyosaur trumpet 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 several of them, including the "sword dragon", turning out to be previously unknown types.

Mr Moore says he is intending to commemorate the recent finding but has not yet determined precisely what form the recognition will take.

"Champagne or a mug of tea, I'm undecided at this moment," 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.