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A nearly complete skeleton found along the Jurassic Coast has been identified as a new species of ichthyosaur, a type 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 represents the only known example of its type.

Scientists state that marks on its skull indicate the "blade serpent" may have been fatally wounded by a attack to the head, potentially delivered by a significantly bigger type of ichthyosaur.

First discovered by a prolific fossil hunter at Golden Cap in Dorset in 2001, the recently identified ichthyosaur was subsequently obtained by a institution in Canada.

Only in recent times been completely studied by experts and a research document released classifying it as a previously unknown type of ichthyosaur.

"I thought long and hard about the name," stated ichthyosaur specialist Dr Dean Lomax, who collaborated on the study identifying the fossil as a new species.

"Xiphodracon translates to sword-like dragon and that refers to that extremely elongated, sword-like nose, but also the reality 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 spent their lives in the water. This particular ichthyosaur is thought to have swum the seas about 185 million years ago, a time frame from which very few ichthyosaur remains have been discovered.

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

Unique Characteristics

Researchers estimate the creature measured about 3m in length and has several characteristics that have never been observed in other species of ichthyosaur.

• Researchers say the strangest feature is a prong-like bone near its nose opening
• The skull has an exceptionally large eye socket
• An extended sword-like snout that it used to consume fish and squid

Life and Death

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

"The limb bones and teeth are abnormally shaped in such a way that indicates serious injury or illness while the animal was still living," said study contributor Dr Erin Maxwell.

"The skull seems to have been bitten by a large predator - probably another much larger type of ichthyosaur - providing a cause of death for this individual. Existence in ancient seas was a risky prospect."

Discovery and Analysis

This "sword dragon" was discovered 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 mean to boast but I have found a few of them," Mr Moore stated.

The precise count he's unearthed is approximately 15, with multiple of them, including the "blade serpent", proving to be previously unknown types.

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

"Champagne or a mug of tea, I'm undecided at this moment," he says.

The 'sword dragon' is among many ichthyosaur remains that have been discovered along Dorset's Jurassic Coast since the initial findings of pioneering palaeontologist Mary Anning in the early 1800s.