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An almost intact skeleton discovered along the Jurassic Coast has been classified as a new species of ichthyosaur, a variety of ancient marine reptile that once dominated the oceans.

This marine creature ichthyosaur has been named Xiphodracon goldencapensis, or the "sword dragon of Dorset" and represents the sole documented example of its type.

Researchers report that indentations on its cranium indicate the "sword dragon" may have been killed by a bite to the head, potentially inflicted 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 museum 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 thought long and hard about the name," stated ichthyosaur specialist Dr Dean Lomax, who co-authored the study classifying the skeleton as a novel type.

"The name Xiphodracon means sword-like dragon and that refers to that extremely elongated, 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 spent their lives in the water. This particular ichthyosaur is believed to have inhabited the oceans about 185 million years ago, a period from which extremely rare ichthyosaur remains have been discovered.

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

Distinctive Features

Researchers estimate the creature measured about 3m in length and has multiple characteristics that have never been observed in other species of ichthyosaur.

• Researchers report the most unusual feature is a prong-like bone near its nose opening
• Its head has an enormous eye socket
• A long sword-like nose that it used to eat fish and squid

Life and Death

There are also clues as to how this particular specimen existed and perished.

"Its fins and dental structure are malformed in such a way that indicates significant trauma or disease while the creature was still alive," stated study contributor Dr Erin Maxwell.

"The skull appears to have been attacked by a sizeable hunter - probably a different much larger type of ichthyosaur - providing a reason for demise for this individual. Existence in ancient seas was a risky situation."

Finding and Study

This "sword dragon" was discovered in 2001 by paleontology enthusiast Chris Moore and then acquired 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 number of them," Mr Moore stated.

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

Mr Moore says he is intending to commemorate the recent finding but has yet to decide 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 among many ichthyosaur fossils that have been found along Dorset's Jurassic Coast dating back to the initial findings of trailblazing palaeontologist Mary Anning in the beginning of the nineteenth century.