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A nearly complete fossilized frame discovered along Dorset's Jurassic Coast has been identified as a new species of ichthyosaur, a variety 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 represents the sole documented specimen of its type.

Researchers state that indentations on its cranium suggest the "sword dragon" may have been fatally wounded by a attack to the head, potentially delivered by a much larger species of ichthyosaur.

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

Only in recent times been completely studied by experts and a research document published classifying it as a new species of ichthyosaur.

"I carefully considered about the name," stated ichthyosaur expert Dr Dean Lomax, who co-authored the paper identifying the fossil as a new species.

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

Prehistoric Ocean Creatures

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

"During this time ichthyosaurs are incredibly rare, and Xiphodracon is the best preserved individual ever discovered from there, contributing to close a gap," Dr Lomax stated. "It's a missing piece of the puzzle in ichthyosaur development."

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.

• Researchers report the most unusual detail is a fork-shaped bone near its nose opening
• Its head has an exceptionally large eye socket
• A long sword-like snout that it used to consume fish and squid

Existence and Demise

Evidence also exists as to how this specific individual lived and died.

"The limb bones and teeth are abnormally shaped in such a way that points to significant trauma or illness while the animal was still alive," stated study contributor Dr Erin Maxwell.

"The skull appears to have been bitten by a sizeable hunter - likely a different much larger species of ichthyosaur - giving us a reason for demise for this specimen. Existence in ancient seas 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 number of them," Mr Moore said.

The actual number he's unearthed is approximately 15, with multiple of them, like the "sword dragon", turning out to be previously unknown types.

Mr Moore says he is intending to commemorate the recent finding but has yet to decide precisely what form the celebration will take.

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

This remarkable discovery is among many ichthyosaur fossils that have been discovered along Dorset's Jurassic Coast since the initial findings of pioneering palaeontologist Mary Anning in the beginning of the nineteenth century.