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A nearly complete fossilized frame found along Dorset's Jurassic Coast has been identified as a new species of ichthyosaur, a type of ancient marine reptile that once dominated the oceans.

The dolphin-sized ichthyosaur has been named Xiphodracon goldencapensis, or the "sword dragon of Dorset" and represents the sole documented specimen of its type.

Scientists state that indentations on its cranium suggest the "blade serpent" may have been fatally wounded by a bite to the head, possibly inflicted by a significantly bigger species of ichthyosaur.

Initially found by a experienced fossil hunter at Golden Cap in Dorset in 2001, the new ichthyosaur was subsequently obtained by a institution in Canada.

Only in recent times been fully analyzed by specialists and a paper published identifying it as a new species of ichthyosaur.

"I thought long and hard about the name," said ichthyosaur specialist Dr Dean Lomax, who collaborated on the study classifying the skeleton as a new species.

"The name Xiphodracon means sword-like dragon and that refers to that very long, sword-like nose, 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 thought to have inhabited the oceans about 185 million years ago, a time frame from which extremely rare ichthyosaur remains have been discovered.

"During this time ichthyosaurs are extremely uncommon, and Xiphodracon is the best preserved individual ever found from there, helping to fill 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 multiple characteristics that have never been observed in other types of ichthyosaur.

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

Existence and Demise

There are also clues as to how this particular 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 creature was still alive," stated study co-author Dr Erin Maxwell.

"Its head seems to have been bitten by a large predator - probably a different much larger species of ichthyosaur - providing a reason for demise for this individual. Life in the Mesozoic oceans was a risky situation."

Finding and Study

The specimen was found in 2001 by paleontology enthusiast 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 several 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 yet to decide exactly how the celebration will take.

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

This remarkable discovery is one of numerous ichthyosaur fossils that have been found along Dorset's Jurassic Coast dating back to the first discoveries of pioneering palaeontologist Mary Anning in the beginning of the nineteenth century.