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A nearly complete skeleton discovered along Dorset's Jurassic Coast has been classified as a new species of ichthyosaur, a variety of prehistoric marine reptile that once ruled the oceans.

This marine creature ichthyosaur has been designated Xiphodracon goldencapensis, or the "sword dragon of Dorset" and stands as the only known example of its type.

Researchers state that marks on its cranium indicate the "sword dragon" may have been killed by a bite to the head, possibly delivered by a much larger species of ichthyosaur.

First discovered by a experienced fossil collector at Golden Cap in Dorset in 2001, the recently identified ichthyosaur was subsequently obtained by a museum in Canada.

It has only recently been fully analyzed by experts and a paper published classifying it as a previously unknown type of ichthyosaur.

"I thought long and hard about the name," stated ichthyosaur expert Dr Dean Lomax, who collaborated on the paper identifying the fossil as a novel type.

"The name Xiphodracon means sword-like dragon and that is in reference to that extremely elongated, sword-like snout, but also the fact that ichthyosaurs have been referred to as sea dragons for about 200 years."

Prehistoric Ocean Creatures

These creatures are categorized as marine reptiles, rather than dinosaurs, because they lived entirely in the water. The discovered ichthyosaur is believed to have inhabited the oceans about 185 million years ago, a time frame from which very few ichthyosaur remains have been found.

"In this period ichthyosaurs are extremely uncommon, 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 mystery in ichthyosaur development."

Unique Characteristics

Researchers estimate the creature measured about 3m long and has several characteristics that have not been seen in other species of ichthyosaur.

• Scientists say the strangest feature is a fork-shaped bone near its nose opening
• The skull has an enormous eye socket
• A long sword-like snout 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 serious injury or illness while the creature was still alive," stated study co-author Dr Erin Maxwell.

"Its head appears to have been attacked by a large predator - probably another much larger species of ichthyosaur - giving us a cause of death for this specimen. 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 obtained by the Royal Ontario Museum in Canada where it took more than 15 years to be completely studied.

"I don't wish to blow my own ichthyosaur trumpet but I have discovered a few of them," Mr Moore said.

The precise count he's unearthed is approximately 15, with several 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 not yet determined exactly how the recognition will take.

"Either sparkling wine or traditional brew, I'm undecided at this moment," he commented.

The 'sword dragon' is one of numerous ichthyosaur remains that have been found along Dorset's Jurassic Coast since the first discoveries of trailblazing palaeontologist Mary Anning in the early 1800s.