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A nearly complete skeleton discovered along Dorset's Jurassic Coast has been identified as a new kind of ichthyosaur, a variety 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 represents the sole documented example of its type.

Researchers state that indentations on its skull suggest the "blade serpent" may have been fatally wounded by a attack to the head, possibly delivered by a significantly bigger species of ichthyosaur.

First discovered by a prolific fossil collector at Golden Cap in Dorset in 2001, the recently identified ichthyosaur was subsequently acquired by a institution in Canada.

It has only recently been fully analyzed by specialists and a research document released classifying it as a new species of ichthyosaur.

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

"Xiphodracon translates to sword-like dragon and that refers to that very long, sword-like snout, but also the reality that ichthyosaurs have been called 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 very few ichthyosaur remains have been found.

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

Unique Characteristics

Researchers estimate the creature measured about 3m long and has several characteristics that have never been observed in other types of ichthyosaur.

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

Existence and Demise

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

"Its fins and dental structure are abnormally shaped in such a way that indicates significant trauma or illness while the animal was still living," said study contributor Dr Erin Maxwell.

"Its head seems to have been attacked by a large predator - probably another considerably bigger species of ichthyosaur - providing a cause of death for this individual. Life in the Mesozoic oceans was a risky situation."

Finding and Study

The specimen was found in 2001 by fossil hunter 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 mean to boast but I have discovered a number of them," Mr Moore said.

The precise count he's unearthed is somewhere in the region of 15, with multiple of them, including the "sword dragon", proving to be previously unknown types.

The discoverer stated he is planning to celebrate the new discovery but has yet to decide precisely what form the celebration will take.

"Champagne or a mug of tea, I'm undecided at this moment," he commented.

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