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

The dolphin-sized ichthyosaur has been named Xiphodracon goldencapensis, or the "sword dragon of Dorset" and stands as the only known specimen of its type.

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

Initially found by a experienced fossil collector at Golden Cap in Dorset in 2001, the new ichthyosaur was subsequently obtained by a museum in Canada.

It has only recently been fully analyzed by specialists and a research document released identifying it as a new species of ichthyosaur.

"I thought long and hard about the name," stated ichthyosaur expert Dr Dean Lomax, who collaborated on the paper identifying the fossil as a novel type.

"The name Xiphodracon means 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

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

"During this time ichthyosaurs are extremely uncommon, and Xiphodracon is the best preserved individual ever discovered from there, contributing to close a gap," Dr Lomax said. "This represents a crucial element of the puzzle in ichthyosaur evolution."

Distinctive Features

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 fork-shaped bone near its nostril
• Its head has an exceptionally large eye socket
• An extended sword-like snout that it used to consume fish and squid

Existence and Demise

Evidence also exists as to how this specific individual lived and died.

"The limb bones and teeth are malformed in such a way that indicates serious injury or disease while the creature was still alive," stated study co-author Dr Erin Maxwell.

"The skull seems to have been bitten by a large predator - likely another much larger species of ichthyosaur - providing a cause of death for this specimen. 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 obtained by the Royal Ontario Museum in Canada where it took more than 15 years to be completely studied.

"I don't mean to boast but I have discovered a number of them," Mr Moore stated.

The precise count he's discovered is approximately 15, with several of them, like the "blade serpent", 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 undecided at this moment," he commented.

The 'sword dragon' is among many ichthyosaur fossils that have been discovered along Dorset's Jurassic Coast dating back to the first discoveries of trailblazing palaeontologist Mary Anning in the beginning of the nineteenth century.