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An almost intact skeleton discovered along the Jurassic Coast has been identified as a new kind of ichthyosaur, a type 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 report that indentations on its cranium suggest the "sword dragon" may have been killed by a bite to the head, possibly inflicted by a much larger species of ichthyosaur.

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

Only in recent times been fully analyzed by specialists and a paper published classifying it as a new species of ichthyosaur.

"I carefully considered about the name," said ichthyosaur specialist Dr Dean Lomax, who co-authored the paper identifying the skeleton as a new species.

"Xiphodracon translates to sword-like dragon and that refers to that extremely elongated, sword-like snout, but also the fact 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 believed to have inhabited the oceans about 185 million years ago, a period from which very few 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 stated. "This represents a crucial element of the mystery in ichthyosaur evolution."

Unique Characteristics

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

• Scientists say the strangest feature is a fork-shaped bone near its nostril
• Its head has an exceptionally large eye socket
• An extended sword-like nose that it used to consume fish and squid

Existence and Demise

There are also clues as to how this specific individual existed and perished.

"Its fins and dental structure are malformed in such a way that points to serious injury or disease while the animal was still living," stated study co-author Dr Erin Maxwell.

"Its head seems to have been attacked by a sizeable hunter - probably another 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 fossil hunter 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 stated.

The actual number he's unearthed is approximately 15, with several of them, including the "blade serpent", turning out 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.

"Champagne or a mug of tea, I'm undecided at this moment," he says.

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