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An almost intact skeleton discovered along Dorset's Jurassic Coast has been identified as a previously unknown kind of ichthyosaur, a type of prehistoric marine reptile that once ruled the oceans.

This marine creature ichthyosaur has been named Xiphodracon goldencapensis, or the "sword dragon of Dorset" and stands as the only known specimen of its kind.

Researchers state that indentations on its cranium suggest the "blade serpent" may have been fatally wounded by a attack to the head, possibly delivered by a significantly bigger type of ichthyosaur.

First discovered by a experienced fossil hunter at Golden Cap in Dorset in 2001, the new ichthyosaur was later obtained by a museum 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," stated ichthyosaur specialist Dr Dean Lomax, who collaborated on the paper classifying 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 fact that ichthyosaurs have been called sea dragons for about 200 years."

Ancient Marine Life

Ichthyosaurs are classified as marine reptiles, rather than dinosaurs, because they spent their lives in the water. This particular ichthyosaur is thought 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 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 puzzle in ichthyosaur development."

Unique Characteristics

The "sword dragon" is thought to have been about 3m long and has multiple features that have never been observed in other species of ichthyosaur.

• Researchers say the strangest feature is a fork-shaped bone near its nose opening
• Its head has an enormous eye socket
• A long sword-like snout that it used to eat fish and squid

Life and Death

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

"Its fins and dental structure are abnormally shaped in such a way that indicates serious injury or disease while the animal was still living," said study contributor Dr Erin Maxwell.

"Its head appears to have been bitten by a sizeable hunter - probably a different much larger species of ichthyosaur - giving us a cause of death for this individual. Existence in ancient seas was a dangerous situation."

Discovery and Analysis

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 completely studied.

"I don't mean to boast but I have found a few of them," Mr Moore stated.

The actual number he's discovered is approximately 15, with multiple of them, including the "blade serpent", proving to be new species.

Mr Moore says he is planning to celebrate the new discovery but has yet to decide exactly how the celebration will take.

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

This remarkable discovery is among many ichthyosaur fossils that have been discovered along Dorset's Jurassic Coast dating back to the initial findings of trailblazing palaeontologist Mary Anning in the early 1800s.