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A nearly complete skeleton found along Dorset's Jurassic Coast has been classified as a new species of ichthyosaur, a variety 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 sole documented specimen of its kind.

Researchers report that marks on its cranium indicate the "sword dragon" may have been killed by a bite 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 new ichthyosaur was later obtained by a institution in Canada.

Only in recent times been completely studied by specialists and a research document published identifying it as a previously unknown type of ichthyosaur.

"I carefully considered about the name," stated ichthyosaur expert Dr Dean Lomax, who collaborated on the paper identifying the skeleton as a new species.

"The name Xiphodracon means sword-like dragon and that is in reference to that very long, sword-like nose, but also the fact that ichthyosaurs have been referred to as 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 thought to have inhabited the oceans about 185 million years ago, a time frame from which extremely rare ichthyosaur fossils have been found.

"In this period ichthyosaurs are incredibly rare, and Xiphodracon is the best preserved individual ever discovered from there, helping to fill a gap," Dr Lomax stated. "It's a missing piece of the puzzle in ichthyosaur evolution."

Distinctive Features

Researchers estimate the creature measured about 3m in length and has multiple features that have not been seen in other species of ichthyosaur.

• Researchers report the strangest feature is a prong-like bone near its nostril
• The skull has an exceptionally large eye socket
• A long sword-like snout that it used to eat fish and squid

Life and Death

There are also clues as to how this specific individual existed and perished.

"Its fins and dental structure are malformed in such a way that points to significant trauma or illness while the creature was still living," said study co-author Dr Erin Maxwell.

"The skull appears to have been attacked by a sizeable hunter - likely a different considerably bigger species of ichthyosaur - giving us a cause of death for this individual. Life in the Mesozoic oceans was a dangerous situation."

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 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 said.

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

Mr Moore says he is planning to celebrate the new discovery but has not yet determined precisely what form the celebration will take.

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

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