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

The dolphin-sized ichthyosaur has been designated Xiphodracon goldencapensis, or the "sword dragon of Dorset" and stands as the sole documented example of its type.

Scientists state that indentations on its skull suggest the "blade serpent" may have been fatally wounded by a bite to the head, potentially delivered by a significantly bigger type of ichthyosaur.

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

Only in recent times 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," stated ichthyosaur expert Dr Dean Lomax, who co-authored the study 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 referred to as sea dragons for about 200 years."

Prehistoric Ocean Creatures

These creatures are categorized as marine reptiles, not dinosaurs, because they lived entirely in the water. The discovered ichthyosaur is believed to have swum the seas about 185 million years ago, a time frame from which extremely rare ichthyosaur remains have been discovered.

"During this time ichthyosaurs are incredibly rare, and Xiphodracon is the most complete individual ever found from there, contributing to close a gap," Dr Lomax stated. "This represents a crucial element of the puzzle in ichthyosaur evolution."

Unique Characteristics

The "sword dragon" is thought to have been about 3m in length and has several characteristics that have never been observed in other types of ichthyosaur.

• Scientists report the most unusual detail is a prong-like bone near its nose opening
• The skull has an exceptionally large eye socket
• A long sword-like snout that it used to eat fish and squid

Existence and Demise

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

"The limb bones and teeth are malformed in such a way that indicates serious injury or disease while the animal was still living," said study co-author Dr Erin Maxwell.

"The skull appears to have been attacked by a large predator - probably another considerably bigger type of ichthyosaur - providing a cause of death for this individual. Life in the Mesozoic oceans was a risky prospect."

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 required more than 15 years to be fully analyzed.

"I don't wish to blow my own ichthyosaur trumpet but I have found a few 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", proving to be new species.

Mr Moore says he is intending to commemorate the recent finding but has not yet determined precisely what form the celebration will take.

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

This remarkable discovery is among many ichthyosaur remains that have been found along Dorset's Jurassic Coast since the initial findings of pioneering palaeontologist Mary Anning in the early 1800s.