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

The dolphin-sized ichthyosaur has been named Xiphodracon goldencapensis, or the "blade serpent of Dorset" and represents the sole documented example of its kind.

Researchers report that marks on its cranium suggest the "blade serpent" may have been killed by a bite to the head, possibly inflicted by a much larger species of ichthyosaur.

Initially found by a prolific fossil hunter at Golden Cap in Dorset in 2001, the recently identified ichthyosaur was subsequently acquired by a institution in Canada.

Only in recent times been fully analyzed by specialists and a paper released identifying it as a previously unknown type of ichthyosaur.

"I carefully considered about the name," said ichthyosaur specialist Dr Dean Lomax, who collaborated on the study classifying the skeleton as a novel type.

"The name Xiphodracon means sword-like dragon and that is in reference to that very long, 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, not dinosaurs, because they lived entirely in the water. The discovered ichthyosaur is thought to have inhabited the oceans about 185 million years ago, a period from which extremely rare ichthyosaur fossils have been discovered.

"In this period ichthyosaurs are extremely uncommon, and Xiphodracon is the best preserved individual ever discovered from there, contributing to close a gap," Dr Lomax stated. "It's a missing piece of the mystery in ichthyosaur evolution."

Distinctive Features

The "sword dragon" is thought to have been about 3m long and has several features that have never been observed in other species of ichthyosaur.

• Scientists say the strangest detail is a fork-shaped bone near its nose opening
• The skull 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 existed and perished.

"Its fins and dental structure are abnormally shaped in such a way that points to significant trauma or illness while the animal was still alive," said study contributor Dr Erin Maxwell.

"Its head appears to have been bitten by a large predator - probably another considerably bigger species of ichthyosaur - providing a reason for demise for this specimen. Life in the Mesozoic oceans was a risky prospect."

Discovery and Analysis

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 fully analyzed.

"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 somewhere in the region of 15, with multiple of them, including the "sword dragon", turning out to be new species.

The discoverer stated he is intending to commemorate the recent finding but has not yet determined precisely what form the recognition will take.

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

The 'sword dragon' is among many ichthyosaur remains that have been found along Dorset's Jurassic Coast since the initial findings of trailblazing palaeontologist Mary Anning in the beginning of the nineteenth century.