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A nearly complete skeleton discovered along the Jurassic Coast has been identified as a previously unknown species of ichthyosaur, a type of ancient 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 sole documented specimen of its kind.

Researchers state that indentations on its skull suggest the "blade serpent" may have been fatally wounded 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 obtained by a museum in Canada.

Only in recent times been completely studied by experts and a research document published identifying it as a previously unknown type of ichthyosaur.

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

"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 called sea dragons for about 200 years."

Prehistoric Ocean Creatures

These creatures are categorized as marine reptiles, rather than dinosaurs, because they lived entirely in the water. This particular 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 most complete individual ever discovered from there, contributing to close a gap," Dr Lomax stated. "This represents a crucial element of the mystery in ichthyosaur development."

Distinctive Features

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

• Scientists report 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 specimen lived and died.

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

"The skull seems to have been bitten by a large predator - probably a different much larger type of ichthyosaur - providing a cause of death for this specimen. Existence in ancient seas was a risky situation."

Finding and Study

This "sword dragon" was discovered in 2001 by fossil hunter 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 number of them," Mr Moore said.

The actual number he's discovered is somewhere in the region of 15, with several of them, like the "blade serpent", proving to be previously unknown types.

Mr Moore says he is intending to commemorate the recent finding but has yet to decide exactly how the recognition will take.

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

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