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An almost intact skeleton discovered along the Jurassic Coast has been classified as a previously unknown kind of ichthyosaur, a type 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 only known example of its kind.

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 significantly bigger type of ichthyosaur.

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

Only in recent times been completely studied by specialists and a paper released identifying 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 identifying the fossil as a novel type.

"The name Xiphodracon means sword-like dragon and that is in reference to that extremely elongated, 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, not dinosaurs, because they spent their lives in the water. This particular 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.

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

Distinctive Features

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

• Researchers say the most unusual detail is a prong-like bone near its nose opening
• Its head has an enormous eye socket
• An extended sword-like nose that it used to eat fish and squid

Existence and Demise

There are also clues 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 alive," stated study contributor Dr Erin Maxwell.

"The skull appears to have been bitten by a sizeable hunter - likely a different much larger type of ichthyosaur - providing a cause of death for this specimen. Life in the Mesozoic oceans was a risky prospect."

Finding and Study

The specimen was found in 2001 by paleontology enthusiast Chris Moore and then obtained by the Royal Ontario Museum in Canada where it required more than 15 years to be completely studied.

"I don't wish to blow my own ichthyosaur trumpet but I have discovered a number of them," Mr Moore stated.

The actual number he's discovered is somewhere in the region of 15, with multiple of them, including the "sword dragon", proving to be previously unknown types.

The discoverer stated he is intending to commemorate the new discovery but has yet to decide exactly how the recognition will take.

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

The 'sword dragon' is among many ichthyosaur fossils that have been discovered along Dorset's Jurassic Coast dating back to the first discoveries of pioneering palaeontologist Mary Anning in the beginning of the nineteenth century.