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A nearly complete skeleton discovered along Dorset's Jurassic Coast has been classified as a new kind of ichthyosaur, a variety of prehistoric marine reptile that once ruled the oceans.

This marine creature ichthyosaur has been designated Xiphodracon goldencapensis, or the "sword dragon of Dorset" and stands as the only known specimen of its kind.

Scientists report that indentations on its cranium suggest the "sword dragon" may have been killed by a bite to the head, potentially delivered by a much larger species of ichthyosaur.

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

It has only recently been fully analyzed by experts and a research document published classifying it as a previously unknown type of ichthyosaur.

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

"The name Xiphodracon means sword-like dragon and that refers to that extremely elongated, sword-like snout, but also the reality that ichthyosaurs have been called sea dragons for about 200 years."

Ancient Marine Life

These creatures are categorized as marine reptiles, rather than dinosaurs, because they lived entirely in the water. This particular ichthyosaur is believed to have inhabited the oceans about 185 million years ago, a time frame from which extremely rare ichthyosaur fossils have been discovered.

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

Distinctive Features

The "sword dragon" is thought to have been about 3m in length and has multiple features that have not been seen in other species of ichthyosaur.

• Scientists report the strangest detail is a fork-shaped bone near its nose opening
• Its head has an exceptionally large eye socket
• An extended sword-like snout 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 malformed in such a way that points to significant trauma or disease while the animal was still alive," said study co-author Dr Erin Maxwell.

"The skull appears to have been bitten by a sizeable hunter - likely another considerably bigger species of ichthyosaur - giving us a cause of death for this specimen. Existence in ancient seas was a risky situation."

Finding and Study

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 found a few of them," Mr Moore stated.

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

The discoverer stated he is planning to celebrate the new discovery but has not yet determined exactly how the celebration will take.

"Champagne or a mug of tea, I'm not sure which yet," he commented.

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 early 1800s.