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A nearly complete skeleton discovered along the Jurassic Coast has been classified as a previously unknown species of ichthyosaur, a type of prehistoric marine reptile that once ruled the oceans.

The dolphin-sized ichthyosaur has been named Xiphodracon goldencapensis, or the "blade serpent of Dorset" and represents the only known specimen of its type.

Scientists report that indentations on its skull indicate the "blade serpent" may have been fatally wounded by a attack to the head, potentially delivered by a much larger type of ichthyosaur.

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

Only in recent times been fully analyzed by specialists and a paper released classifying it as a previously unknown type of ichthyosaur.

"I thought long and hard about the name," stated ichthyosaur specialist Dr Dean Lomax, who collaborated on the paper identifying the skeleton as a new species.

"The name Xiphodracon means sword-like dragon and that refers to that very long, sword-like snout, but also the reality that ichthyosaurs have been called sea dragons for about 200 years."

Prehistoric Ocean Creatures

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 swum the seas about 185 million years ago, a time frame from which very few ichthyosaur fossils have been found.

"During this time ichthyosaurs are extremely uncommon, and Xiphodracon is the most complete individual ever found from there, contributing to close a gap," Dr Lomax stated. "It's a missing piece of the puzzle in ichthyosaur evolution."

Distinctive Features

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

• Researchers say the strangest detail is a prong-like bone near its nostril
• Its head has an enormous eye socket
• An extended 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 significant trauma or disease while the animal was still alive," stated study co-author Dr Erin Maxwell.

"The skull appears to have been bitten by a large predator - probably another much larger type of ichthyosaur - providing a reason for demise for this specimen. Existence in ancient seas was a risky prospect."

Discovery and Analysis

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 mean to boast but I have discovered a few of them," Mr Moore said.

The precise count he's unearthed is approximately 15, with multiple of them, like the "sword dragon", turning out to be previously unknown types.

Mr Moore says he is planning to celebrate the new discovery but has not yet determined exactly how the celebration will take.

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

This remarkable discovery is one of numerous ichthyosaur remains that have been found along Dorset's Jurassic Coast since the initial findings of trailblazing palaeontologist Mary Anning in the beginning of the nineteenth century.