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An almost intact fossilized frame discovered along the Jurassic Coast has been identified as a previously unknown kind of ichthyosaur, a type of ancient marine reptile that once ruled the oceans.

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

Scientists report that marks on its cranium suggest 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 collector at Golden Cap in Dorset in 2001, the recently identified ichthyosaur was subsequently obtained by a institution in Canada.

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

"I carefully considered about the name," stated ichthyosaur expert Dr Dean Lomax, who co-authored the study identifying the skeleton as a novel type.

"The name Xiphodracon means sword-like dragon and that refers to that extremely elongated, sword-like snout, but also the fact 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 believed to have inhabited the oceans about 185 million years ago, a period from which very few ichthyosaur fossils have been found.

"During this time ichthyosaurs are incredibly rare, and Xiphodracon is the most complete individual ever found from there, helping to fill a gap," Dr Lomax said. "This represents a crucial element of the mystery in ichthyosaur evolution."

Distinctive Features

The "sword dragon" is thought to have been about 3m in length and has multiple characteristics that have not been seen in other types of ichthyosaur.

• Researchers report the strangest detail is a prong-like bone near its nostril
• The skull has an exceptionally large eye socket
• An extended sword-like snout that it used to eat fish and squid

Existence and Demise

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

"Its fins and dental structure are malformed in such a way that points to serious injury or illness while the animal was still alive," said study co-author Dr Erin Maxwell.

"Its head seems to have been attacked by a sizeable hunter - likely a different considerably bigger species of ichthyosaur - providing a reason for demise for this individual. Existence in ancient seas 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 required more than 15 years to be fully analyzed.

"I don't mean to boast but I have discovered a number of them," Mr Moore said.

The precise count he's unearthed is somewhere in the region of 15, with several of them, like the "sword dragon", turning out to be previously unknown types.

The discoverer stated he is planning to celebrate the recent finding but has yet to decide precisely what form the celebration will take.

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

The 'sword dragon' is one of numerous ichthyosaur remains that have been found along Dorset's Jurassic Coast dating back to the initial findings of pioneering palaeontologist Mary Anning in the early 1800s.