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

Researchers state that indentations on its cranium suggest the "sword dragon" may have been killed by a attack to the head, potentially delivered by a significantly bigger type of ichthyosaur.

First discovered by a experienced fossil collector at Golden Cap in Dorset in 2001, the recently identified ichthyosaur was later acquired by a museum in Canada.

It has only recently been completely studied by experts and a paper released classifying it as a new species of ichthyosaur.

"I thought long and hard about the name," said ichthyosaur specialist Dr Dean Lomax, who collaborated on the paper identifying 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 reality that ichthyosaurs have been referred to as sea dragons for about 200 years."

Ancient Marine Life

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

"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. "It's a missing piece of the puzzle in ichthyosaur evolution."

Unique Characteristics

The "sword dragon" is thought to have been about 3m long and has several features that have not been seen in other species of ichthyosaur.

• Researchers report the strangest feature is a fork-shaped bone near its nose opening
• Its head has an exceptionally large 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 particular individual lived and died.

"The limb bones and teeth are malformed in such a way that indicates significant trauma or disease while the animal was still alive," said study co-author Dr Erin Maxwell.

"The skull appears to have been bitten by a sizeable hunter - likely another much larger type of ichthyosaur - giving us a cause of death for this specimen. Existence in ancient seas 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 completely studied.

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

The precise count he's unearthed is approximately 15, with several of them, including the "blade serpent", proving to be new species.

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

"Either sparkling wine or traditional brew, I'm undecided at this moment," he commented.

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