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An almost intact skeleton found along the Jurassic Coast has been classified as a previously unknown species of ichthyosaur, a type of prehistoric marine reptile that once dominated the oceans.

This marine creature ichthyosaur has been designated Xiphodracon goldencapensis, or the "blade serpent of Dorset" and represents the sole documented example of its type.

Researchers state that marks on its skull indicate the "blade serpent" may have been killed by a attack to the head, possibly inflicted by a much larger type of ichthyosaur.

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

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

"I carefully considered about the name," said ichthyosaur expert Dr Dean Lomax, who collaborated on the paper identifying the skeleton as a novel type.

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

Prehistoric Ocean Creatures

Ichthyosaurs are classified 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 time frame from which extremely rare ichthyosaur remains have been found.

"In this period ichthyosaurs are incredibly rare, and Xiphodracon is the best preserved individual ever discovered from there, contributing to close a gap," Dr Lomax said. "This represents a crucial element of the puzzle in ichthyosaur evolution."

Unique Characteristics

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

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

Life and Death

Evidence also exists as to how this specific individual existed and perished.

"The limb bones and teeth are abnormally shaped in such a way that points to significant trauma or disease while the animal was still alive," stated study contributor Dr Erin Maxwell.

"Its head seems to have been bitten by a sizeable hunter - likely a different much larger type of ichthyosaur - providing a cause of death for this individual. Life in the Mesozoic oceans was a dangerous prospect."

Discovery and Analysis

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

The precise count he's unearthed is approximately 15, with several of them, including the "sword dragon", proving to be new species.

The discoverer stated he is intending to commemorate the recent finding but has yet to decide precisely what form the celebration will take.

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

The 'sword dragon' is among many ichthyosaur fossils that have been discovered along Dorset's Jurassic Coast since the first discoveries of trailblazing palaeontologist Mary Anning in the early 1800s.