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An almost intact skeleton found along Dorset's Jurassic Coast has been classified as a previously unknown kind of ichthyosaur, a variety of ancient marine reptile that once dominated the oceans.

This marine creature ichthyosaur has been named Xiphodracon goldencapensis, or the "sword dragon of Dorset" and stands as the sole documented specimen of its type.

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

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

It has only recently been fully analyzed by specialists and a paper published identifying it as a new species of ichthyosaur.

"I thought long and hard about the name," said ichthyosaur expert Dr Dean Lomax, who collaborated on the paper identifying the skeleton as a novel type.

"Xiphodracon translates to sword-like dragon and that is in reference to that very long, sword-like nose, 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, not 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 period from which very few ichthyosaur fossils have been discovered.

"In this period ichthyosaurs are extremely uncommon, and Xiphodracon is the most complete individual ever found from there, contributing to close a gap," Dr Lomax stated. "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 several characteristics that have never been observed in other species of ichthyosaur.

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

Life and Death

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

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

"The skull seems to have been attacked by a large predator - likely a different considerably bigger species of ichthyosaur - giving us a reason for demise for this individual. Life in the Mesozoic oceans was a risky prospect."

Discovery and Analysis

The specimen was found in 2001 by paleontology enthusiast 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 wish to blow my own ichthyosaur trumpet but I have found a few of them," Mr Moore stated.

The precise count he's unearthed is somewhere in the region of 15, with multiple of them, including 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 exactly how the recognition will take.

"Either sparkling wine or traditional brew, I'm not sure which yet," he commented.

The 'sword dragon' is among many ichthyosaur remains that have been discovered along Dorset's Jurassic Coast since the first discoveries of trailblazing palaeontologist Mary Anning in the beginning of the nineteenth century.