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An almost intact skeleton discovered along the Jurassic Coast has been identified as a new 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 "blade serpent of Dorset" and represents the only known example of its type.

Researchers state that indentations on its skull suggest the "blade serpent" may have been fatally wounded by a attack to the head, potentially delivered by a significantly bigger type of ichthyosaur.

Initially found by a experienced fossil collector at Golden Cap in Dorset in 2001, the recently identified ichthyosaur was later obtained by a museum in Canada.

It has only recently been completely studied by specialists and a research document published classifying it as a new species of ichthyosaur.

"I thought long and hard about the name," said ichthyosaur expert Dr Dean Lomax, who co-authored the study classifying the fossil as a new species.

"The name Xiphodracon means sword-like dragon and that is in reference to that very long, sword-like nose, but also the fact 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 spent their lives in the water. The discovered ichthyosaur is thought to have swum the seas about 185 million years ago, a time frame from which extremely rare ichthyosaur remains have been discovered.

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

Distinctive Features

The "sword dragon" is thought to have been about 3m long and has several characteristics that have never been observed in other types of ichthyosaur.

• Scientists say the most unusual feature is a prong-like bone near its nostril
• The skull has an enormous eye socket
• An extended sword-like nose that it used to eat fish and squid

Existence and Demise

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

"The limb bones and teeth are malformed in such a way that indicates serious injury or illness while the animal was still living," stated study co-author Dr Erin Maxwell.

"The skull appears to have been bitten by a sizeable hunter - likely a different considerably bigger species of ichthyosaur - providing a cause of death for this individual. Life in the Mesozoic oceans was a dangerous situation."

Finding and Study

This "sword dragon" was discovered in 2001 by paleontology enthusiast 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 stated.

The actual number he's unearthed is approximately 15, with multiple of them, including the "sword dragon", proving to be previously unknown types.

Mr Moore says he is intending to commemorate the recent finding but has not yet determined precisely what form the recognition will take.

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

This remarkable discovery is among many ichthyosaur fossils that have been found along Dorset's Jurassic Coast dating back to the initial findings of trailblazing palaeontologist Mary Anning in the beginning of the nineteenth century.