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A nearly complete fossilized frame found along Dorset's Jurassic Coast has been classified as a previously unknown kind 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 only known example of its kind.

Scientists state that indentations on its cranium indicate the "sword dragon" may have been killed by a attack to the head, potentially delivered by a much larger type of ichthyosaur.

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

Only in recent times been fully analyzed by specialists and a paper published classifying it as a previously unknown type of ichthyosaur.

"I carefully considered about the name," stated 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 nose, 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 spent their lives in the water. This particular ichthyosaur is thought to have inhabited the oceans about 185 million years ago, a time frame from which extremely rare ichthyosaur remains have been found.

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

Unique Characteristics

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

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

Life and Death

Evidence also exists as to how this specific specimen existed and perished.

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

"The skull appears to have been attacked by a sizeable hunter - probably another considerably bigger type of ichthyosaur - giving us a cause of death for this specimen. Life in the Mesozoic oceans was a dangerous situation."

Discovery and Analysis

This "sword dragon" was discovered 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 mean to boast but I have discovered a few of them," Mr Moore said.

The precise count he's discovered is approximately 15, with several of them, like the "sword dragon", turning out to be new species.

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

"Champagne or a mug of tea, I'm not sure which yet," he says.

The 'sword dragon' is one of numerous ichthyosaur remains 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.