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An almost intact skeleton found along Dorset's Jurassic Coast has been identified as a previously unknown species of ichthyosaur, a type of prehistoric 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 sole documented specimen of its kind.

Researchers report that indentations on its skull indicate the "blade serpent" may have been fatally wounded by a attack to the head, possibly delivered by a significantly bigger species of ichthyosaur.

Initially found by a experienced fossil hunter at Golden Cap in Dorset in 2001, the new ichthyosaur was subsequently acquired 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," stated ichthyosaur specialist Dr Dean Lomax, who collaborated on the paper classifying the skeleton as a novel type.

"Xiphodracon translates to sword-like dragon and that is in reference to that extremely elongated, sword-like nose, but also the reality that ichthyosaurs have been called sea dragons for about 200 years."

Ancient Marine Life

These creatures are categorized as marine reptiles, not 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 time frame from which extremely rare ichthyosaur fossils have been found.

"During this time 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 puzzle in ichthyosaur evolution."

Distinctive Features

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

• Scientists say the strangest detail is a fork-shaped bone near its nostril
• Its head has an enormous eye socket
• An extended sword-like snout that it used to eat fish and squid

Existence and Demise

There are also clues as to how this specific specimen lived and died.

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

"Its head appears to have been bitten by a sizeable hunter - likely a different much larger species of ichthyosaur - providing a reason for demise for this individual. Existence in ancient seas was a risky prospect."

Discovery and Analysis

This "sword dragon" was discovered in 2001 by fossil hunter Chris Moore and then acquired 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 few of them," Mr Moore stated.

The precise count he's unearthed is approximately 15, with multiple of them, including the "sword dragon", proving to be new species.

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

"Champagne or a mug of tea, I'm undecided at this moment," he commented.

The 'sword dragon' is one of numerous ichthyosaur fossils that have been found along Dorset's Jurassic Coast since the initial findings of trailblazing palaeontologist Mary Anning in the early 1800s.