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An almost intact skeleton discovered along the Jurassic Coast has been classified as a previously unknown species of ichthyosaur, a variety of ancient marine reptile that once dominated the oceans.

The dolphin-sized ichthyosaur has been designated Xiphodracon goldencapensis, or the "sword dragon of Dorset" and represents the sole documented specimen of its kind.

Researchers report that indentations on its cranium suggest the "blade serpent" may have been fatally wounded by a bite to the head, possibly inflicted by a significantly bigger type of ichthyosaur.

First discovered by a prolific fossil collector at Golden Cap in Dorset in 2001, the new ichthyosaur was subsequently acquired by a museum in Canada.

It has only recently been fully analyzed by experts and a paper 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 identifying the skeleton 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 referred to as sea dragons for about 200 years."

Prehistoric Ocean Creatures

Ichthyosaurs are classified as marine reptiles, not dinosaurs, because they lived entirely in the water. This particular ichthyosaur is thought to have swum the seas about 185 million years ago, a time frame from which extremely rare ichthyosaur fossils have been discovered.

"During this time ichthyosaurs are incredibly rare, and Xiphodracon is the best preserved individual ever found from there, contributing to close a gap," Dr Lomax said. "It's a missing piece of the puzzle in ichthyosaur evolution."

Unique Characteristics

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

• Scientists say the most unusual feature is a prong-like bone near its nose opening
• The skull has an exceptionally large eye socket
• A long sword-like snout that it used to eat fish and squid

Life and Death

There are also clues as to how this particular individual existed and perished.

"Its fins and dental structure are abnormally shaped in such a way that points to significant trauma or disease while the animal was still living," stated study co-author Dr Erin Maxwell.

"Its head appears to have been attacked by a large predator - likely a different much larger species of ichthyosaur - giving us a reason for demise for this specimen. Life in the Mesozoic oceans was a dangerous prospect."

Discovery and Analysis

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 completely studied.

"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", turning out to be new species.

Mr Moore says he is planning to celebrate the recent finding but has not yet determined exactly how the recognition will take.

"Champagne or a mug of tea, 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 trailblazing palaeontologist Mary Anning in the early 1800s.