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An almost intact skeleton found along the Jurassic Coast has been identified as a new kind of ichthyosaur, a variety of prehistoric marine reptile that once dominated the oceans.

This marine creature ichthyosaur has been named Xiphodracon goldencapensis, or the "blade serpent of Dorset" and stands as the sole documented specimen of its type.

Scientists state that indentations on its cranium suggest the "sword dragon" may have been fatally wounded by a attack to the head, possibly inflicted by a much larger species of ichthyosaur.

First discovered by a prolific fossil hunter at Golden Cap in Dorset in 2001, the new ichthyosaur was later acquired by a museum in Canada.

Only in recent times been fully analyzed by experts and a paper 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 study identifying the fossil as a new species.

"Xiphodracon translates to sword-like dragon and that refers to that extremely elongated, sword-like nose, but also the reality that ichthyosaurs have been referred to as 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. The discovered ichthyosaur is thought to have inhabited the oceans about 185 million years ago, a time frame from which very few ichthyosaur fossils have been found.

"In this period ichthyosaurs are incredibly rare, and Xiphodracon is the most complete individual ever discovered from there, helping to fill a gap," Dr Lomax stated. "This represents a crucial element of the puzzle in ichthyosaur development."

Distinctive Features

Researchers estimate the creature measured about 3m in length and has multiple features that have never been observed in other species of ichthyosaur.

• Researchers report the strangest detail is a fork-shaped bone near its nose opening
• Its head has an enormous eye socket
• An extended sword-like nose that it used to consume fish and squid

Life and Death

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 points to serious injury or illness while the creature was still alive," stated study contributor Dr Erin Maxwell.

"The skull seems to have been attacked by a large predator - probably a different much larger type of ichthyosaur - providing a cause of death for this specimen. Existence in ancient seas was a risky prospect."

Finding and Study

The specimen was found in 2001 by fossil hunter Chris Moore and then obtained 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 found a few of them," Mr Moore said.

The actual number he's discovered is somewhere in the region of 15, with several of them, including the "sword dragon", turning out to be new species.

Mr Moore says he is planning to celebrate the recent finding but has not yet determined precisely what form the recognition will take.

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

This remarkable discovery is one of numerous ichthyosaur fossils that have been found along Dorset's Jurassic Coast since the first discoveries of pioneering palaeontologist Mary Anning in the beginning of the nineteenth century.