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A nearly complete skeleton discovered along Dorset's Jurassic Coast has been classified as a new kind of ichthyosaur, a type of ancient 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 only known specimen of its kind.

Researchers state that marks on its cranium suggest the "blade serpent" may have been fatally wounded by a bite to the head, potentially delivered by a significantly bigger species 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 museum in Canada.

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

"I carefully considered about the name," said 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 refers to that very long, sword-like snout, but also the reality 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. This particular ichthyosaur is believed to have swum the seas 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 found from there, helping to fill 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 long and has several characteristics that have not been seen in other species 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 consume fish and squid

Life and Death

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

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

"Its head seems to have been attacked by a sizeable hunter - probably another considerably bigger species of ichthyosaur - providing a reason for demise for this specimen. Life in the Mesozoic oceans was a dangerous prospect."

Discovery and Analysis

This "sword dragon" was discovered in 2001 by fossil hunter 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 discovered a number of them," Mr Moore stated.

The actual number he's discovered is somewhere in the region of 15, with multiple of them, including the "sword dragon", turning out to be new species.

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

"Either sparkling wine or traditional brew, I'm not sure which yet," he commented.

This remarkable discovery is among many ichthyosaur remains that have been discovered along Dorset's Jurassic Coast since the initial findings of trailblazing palaeontologist Mary Anning in the early 1800s.