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An almost intact fossilized frame found along Dorset's Jurassic Coast has been classified as a previously unknown kind 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 sole documented example of its kind.

Scientists report that marks on its skull indicate the "sword dragon" may have been killed by a bite to the head, potentially delivered by a much larger species of ichthyosaur.

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

Only in recent times been fully analyzed by experts and a paper released 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 skeleton 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

These creatures are categorized 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 period from which extremely rare ichthyosaur remains 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

Researchers estimate the creature measured about 3m in length and has several features that have not been seen in other types of ichthyosaur.

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

Life and Death

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

"The limb bones and teeth are abnormally shaped in such a way that points to significant trauma or disease while the animal was still alive," said study co-author Dr Erin Maxwell.

"Its head seems to have been bitten by a large predator - probably a different considerably bigger type of ichthyosaur - giving us a cause of death for this individual. Life in the Mesozoic oceans was a risky prospect."

Finding and Study

The specimen was found in 2001 by fossil hunter 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 wish to blow my own ichthyosaur trumpet but I have discovered a few of them," Mr Moore stated.

The precise count he's unearthed is somewhere in the region of 15, with multiple of them, including the "sword dragon", turning out to be new species.

The discoverer stated he is intending to commemorate the recent finding but has not yet determined exactly how the celebration will take.

"Either sparkling wine or traditional brew, I'm undecided at this moment," he commented.

The 'sword dragon' is among many ichthyosaur remains that have been found along Dorset's Jurassic Coast dating back to the initial findings of pioneering palaeontologist Mary Anning in the beginning of the nineteenth century.