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

The dolphin-sized ichthyosaur has been named Xiphodracon goldencapensis, or the "blade serpent of Dorset" and stands as the only known example of its type.

Researchers report that indentations on its cranium indicate the "sword dragon" may have been fatally wounded by a bite to the head, potentially inflicted by a significantly bigger species of ichthyosaur.

Initially found by a prolific fossil hunter at Golden Cap in Dorset in 2001, the recently identified ichthyosaur was subsequently acquired by a institution in Canada.

It has only recently been completely studied by specialists and a paper published identifying it as a previously unknown type of ichthyosaur.

"I carefully considered about the name," stated ichthyosaur specialist Dr Dean Lomax, who collaborated on the paper classifying the skeleton as a novel type.

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

Ancient Marine Life

These creatures are categorized as marine reptiles, not dinosaurs, because they lived entirely in the water. The discovered ichthyosaur is believed to have swum the seas about 185 million years ago, a time frame from which very few ichthyosaur fossils have been found.

"In this period ichthyosaurs are incredibly rare, and Xiphodracon is the most complete individual ever discovered from there, helping to fill a gap," Dr Lomax said. "This represents a crucial element of the mystery in ichthyosaur development."

Unique Characteristics

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

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

Existence and Demise

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

"The limb bones and teeth are malformed in such a way that indicates significant trauma or illness while the animal was still alive," said study contributor Dr Erin Maxwell.

"The skull seems to have been attacked by a large predator - likely a different much larger type of ichthyosaur - giving us a reason for demise for this specimen. Existence in ancient seas was a risky 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 fully analyzed.

"I don't mean to boast but I have found a number of them," Mr Moore stated.

The actual number he's unearthed is approximately 15, with several of them, including the "blade serpent", turning out to be new species.

The discoverer stated he is intending to commemorate the recent finding but has yet to decide exactly how the recognition will take.

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

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