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An almost intact fossilized frame found along the Jurassic Coast has been identified as a previously unknown species of ichthyosaur, a variety of prehistoric marine reptile that once dominated the oceans.

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

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

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

Only in recent times been fully analyzed by experts and a research document published identifying it as a new species of ichthyosaur.

"I carefully considered 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 is in reference to that very long, sword-like snout, but also the reality 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. This particular ichthyosaur is believed 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 extremely uncommon, and Xiphodracon is the best preserved individual ever discovered from there, helping to fill a gap," Dr Lomax stated. "This represents a crucial element of the puzzle in ichthyosaur development."

Distinctive Features

Researchers estimate the creature measured about 3m long and has several characteristics that have never been observed in other types of ichthyosaur.

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

Life and Death

There are also clues as to how this particular individual lived and died.

"The limb bones and teeth are malformed in such a way that points to serious injury or illness while the animal was still living," said study contributor Dr Erin Maxwell.

"The skull seems to have been attacked by a sizeable hunter - probably a different much larger species of ichthyosaur - giving us a reason for demise for this individual. Life in the Mesozoic oceans was a dangerous prospect."

Finding and Study

This "sword dragon" was discovered in 2001 by fossil hunter Chris Moore and then obtained by the Royal Ontario Museum in Canada where it took more than 15 years to be fully analyzed.

"I don't wish to blow my own ichthyosaur trumpet but I have discovered a few of them," Mr Moore said.

The actual number he's discovered is somewhere in the region of 15, with several of them, including the "sword dragon", proving to be new species.

The discoverer stated he is planning to celebrate the new discovery but has not yet determined precisely what form the recognition will take.

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

This remarkable discovery is among many ichthyosaur remains that have been discovered along Dorset's Jurassic Coast dating back to the first discoveries of pioneering palaeontologist Mary Anning in the early 1800s.