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A nearly complete skeleton discovered along Dorset's Jurassic Coast has been classified as a previously unknown kind of ichthyosaur, a variety of ancient marine reptile that once ruled 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 state that indentations on its skull indicate the "blade serpent" may have been killed by a attack to the head, potentially inflicted by a significantly bigger species of ichthyosaur.

Initially found by a experienced fossil hunter at Golden Cap in Dorset in 2001, the recently identified ichthyosaur was later obtained by a museum in Canada.

It has only recently been completely studied by experts and a research document released classifying it as a previously unknown type of ichthyosaur.

"I carefully considered about the name," said ichthyosaur specialist Dr Dean Lomax, who collaborated on the study identifying the skeleton as a new species.

"The name Xiphodracon means 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."

Ancient Marine Life

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 fossils have been discovered.

"In this period ichthyosaurs are incredibly rare, and Xiphodracon is the best preserved individual ever found from there, contributing to close 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 in length and has multiple characteristics that have not been seen in other species of ichthyosaur.

• Scientists say the most unusual feature is a fork-shaped bone near its nose opening
• The skull has an enormous eye socket
• An extended sword-like snout that it used to eat fish and squid

Existence and Demise

Evidence also exists as to how this particular individual lived and died.

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

"Its head appears to have been attacked by a sizeable hunter - likely another considerably bigger species of ichthyosaur - giving us a cause of death for this specimen. Life in the Mesozoic oceans was a risky situation."

Discovery and Analysis

The specimen was found in 2001 by fossil hunter 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 found a number of them," Mr Moore stated.

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

The discoverer stated he is planning to celebrate the new discovery but has not yet determined precisely what form the recognition will take.

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

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