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An almost intact skeleton discovered along Dorset's Jurassic Coast has been classified 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 stands as the only known example of its type.

Researchers report that indentations on its skull suggest the "sword dragon" may have been fatally wounded by a attack to the head, potentially inflicted 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 institution in Canada.

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

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

"Xiphodracon translates to sword-like dragon and that refers to that very long, sword-like nose, but also the fact that ichthyosaurs have been referred to as sea dragons for about 200 years."

Prehistoric Ocean Creatures

These creatures are categorized 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 remains have been found.

"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 stated. "This represents a crucial element of the puzzle in ichthyosaur development."

Unique Characteristics

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

• Researchers say the most unusual detail is a prong-like bone near its nostril
• Its head has an enormous eye socket
• An extended sword-like nose that it used to eat fish and squid

Life and Death

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

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

"Its head seems to have been bitten by a sizeable hunter - likely a different considerably bigger type of ichthyosaur - providing a reason for demise for this specimen. Life in the Mesozoic oceans was a risky prospect."

Finding and Study

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 fully analyzed.

"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 somewhere in the region of 15, with several of them, like the "blade serpent", proving to be new species.

The discoverer stated he is planning to celebrate the recent finding 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 commented.

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