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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 prehistoric marine reptile that once ruled the oceans.

The dolphin-sized ichthyosaur has been named Xiphodracon goldencapensis, or the "blade serpent of Dorset" and stands as the only known example of its kind.

Scientists state that indentations on its skull suggest the "blade serpent" may have been killed by a bite to the head, potentially inflicted by a significantly bigger species of ichthyosaur.

First discovered by a experienced fossil hunter at Golden Cap in Dorset in 2001, the new ichthyosaur was later obtained by a museum in Canada.

Only in recent times been completely studied by specialists and a research document released identifying it as a new species of ichthyosaur.

"I carefully considered about the name," said ichthyosaur specialist Dr Dean Lomax, who co-authored the study classifying the fossil as a new species.

"The name Xiphodracon means sword-like dragon and that refers to that very long, sword-like nose, but also the reality that ichthyosaurs have been referred to as sea dragons for about 200 years."

Prehistoric Ocean Creatures

These creatures are categorized as marine reptiles, rather than dinosaurs, because they spent their lives in the water. The discovered ichthyosaur is thought to have swum the seas about 185 million years ago, a period from which extremely rare 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 stated. "It's a missing piece of the mystery in ichthyosaur development."

Unique Characteristics

The "sword dragon" is thought to have been about 3m long and has several characteristics that have not been seen in other species of ichthyosaur.

• Scientists report the most unusual detail is a fork-shaped bone near its nose opening
• The skull 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 particular specimen existed and perished.

"The limb bones and teeth are abnormally shaped in such a way that indicates serious injury or illness while the creature was still alive," said study contributor Dr Erin Maxwell.

"Its head seems to have been bitten by a large predator - probably another much larger species of ichthyosaur - giving us a reason for demise for this individual. Existence in ancient seas was a dangerous situation."

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 took 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 actual number he's unearthed is somewhere in the region of 15, with several of them, including the "sword dragon", proving to be previously unknown types.

Mr Moore says he is planning to celebrate the recent finding but has yet to decide exactly how the recognition will take.

"Champagne or a mug of tea, 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 trailblazing palaeontologist Mary Anning in the early 1800s.