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An almost intact skeleton found along Dorset's Jurassic Coast has been identified as a previously unknown kind 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 type.

Researchers report that marks on its cranium suggest the "blade serpent" may have been fatally wounded by a attack to the head, potentially delivered by a significantly bigger type 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.

Only in recent times been fully analyzed by experts and a paper released classifying 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 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 called sea dragons for about 200 years."

Prehistoric Ocean Creatures

These creatures are categorized 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 discovered.

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

Distinctive Features

Researchers estimate the creature measured about 3m long and has multiple characteristics that have not been seen in other species of ichthyosaur.

• Scientists report the most unusual detail is a prong-like bone near its nose opening
• The skull 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 specimen lived and died.

"The limb bones and teeth are malformed in such a way that indicates significant trauma or illness while the animal was still alive," stated study contributor Dr Erin Maxwell.

"Its head appears to have been attacked by a sizeable hunter - likely a different considerably bigger type of ichthyosaur - providing a reason for demise for this specimen. Life in the Mesozoic oceans was a risky prospect."

Finding and Study

This "sword dragon" was discovered 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 fully analyzed.

"I don't wish to blow my own ichthyosaur trumpet but I have found a number of them," Mr Moore stated.

The actual number he's unearthed is approximately 15, with multiple of them, including the "blade serpent", turning out to be new species.

The discoverer stated he is planning to celebrate the recent finding but has not yet determined exactly how the celebration will take.

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

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