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

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

Researchers report that marks on its skull suggest the "sword dragon" may have been killed by a bite to the head, potentially delivered by a much larger species of ichthyosaur.

Initially found by a prolific fossil collector at Golden Cap in Dorset in 2001, the new ichthyosaur was later acquired by a institution in Canada.

It has only recently been fully analyzed by experts and a research document 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 study identifying the fossil as a novel type.

"The name Xiphodracon means 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."

Prehistoric Ocean Creatures

Ichthyosaurs are classified as marine reptiles, not dinosaurs, because they spent their lives in the water. This particular ichthyosaur is believed to have swum the seas about 185 million years ago, a time frame 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 puzzle in ichthyosaur evolution."

Distinctive Features

Researchers estimate the creature measured about 3m long and has several features that have not been seen in other species of ichthyosaur.

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

Existence and Demise

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

"The limb bones and teeth are abnormally shaped in such a way that points to significant trauma or illness while the creature was still living," said study contributor Dr Erin Maxwell.

"The skull appears to have been bitten by a sizeable hunter - likely another considerably bigger type of ichthyosaur - providing a reason for demise for this individual. Existence in ancient seas was a risky situation."

Discovery and Analysis

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 mean to boast but I have found a few of them," Mr Moore stated.

The precise count he's unearthed 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 planning to celebrate the recent finding but has yet to decide precisely what form the celebration will take.

"Champagne or a mug of tea, I'm not sure which yet," he commented.

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