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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 named Xiphodracon goldencapensis, or the "blade serpent of Dorset" and stands as the only known specimen of its type.

Scientists state that indentations on its cranium indicate the "sword dragon" may have been killed by a bite to the head, potentially inflicted by a significantly bigger species of ichthyosaur.

Initially found by a prolific fossil collector at Golden Cap in Dorset in 2001, the new ichthyosaur was later acquired by a museum in Canada.

It has only recently been fully analyzed by experts and a paper released identifying it as a previously unknown type of ichthyosaur.

"I thought long and hard about the name," stated ichthyosaur specialist Dr Dean Lomax, who co-authored the paper identifying the skeleton as a novel type.

"Xiphodracon translates to sword-like dragon and that is in reference to that very long, sword-like snout, 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, rather than 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 period from which extremely rare ichthyosaur fossils have been found.

"In this period ichthyosaurs are extremely uncommon, and Xiphodracon is the most complete individual ever found from there, helping to fill a gap," Dr Lomax said. "It's a missing piece of the mystery in ichthyosaur development."

Distinctive Features

The "sword dragon" is thought to have been about 3m in length 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
• Its head has an exceptionally large eye socket
• A long sword-like nose that it used to eat fish and squid

Existence and Demise

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

"Its fins and dental structure are malformed in such a way that indicates serious injury or illness while the animal was still alive," stated study contributor Dr Erin Maxwell.

"Its head appears to have been bitten by a large predator - probably another much larger type of ichthyosaur - giving us a cause of death for this specimen. Life in the Mesozoic oceans was a risky prospect."

Finding and Study

The specimen was found in 2001 by paleontology enthusiast Chris Moore and then acquired by the Royal Ontario Museum in Canada where it required 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 stated.

The precise count he's discovered is approximately 15, with several of them, like the "sword dragon", turning out to be new species.

The discoverer stated he is planning to celebrate the new discovery but has not yet determined exactly how the recognition will take.

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

The 'sword dragon' is one of numerous ichthyosaur remains that have been discovered along Dorset's Jurassic Coast since the first discoveries of pioneering palaeontologist Mary Anning in the early 1800s.