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A nearly complete skeleton found along Dorset's Jurassic Coast has been classified as a new kind of ichthyosaur, a type of prehistoric marine reptile that once dominated the oceans.

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

Researchers state that marks on its cranium suggest the "sword dragon" may have been fatally wounded by a bite to the head, potentially inflicted by a much larger species of ichthyosaur.

First discovered by a experienced fossil hunter at Golden Cap in Dorset in 2001, the recently identified ichthyosaur was subsequently acquired by a museum in Canada.

It has only recently been completely studied by experts and a paper published identifying it as a previously unknown type of ichthyosaur.

"I carefully considered about the name," stated ichthyosaur expert Dr Dean Lomax, who collaborated on the paper identifying the fossil 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

Ichthyosaurs are classified as marine reptiles, not dinosaurs, because they spent their lives in the water. This particular ichthyosaur is believed to have inhabited the oceans about 185 million years ago, a period from which extremely rare ichthyosaur remains have been found.

"During this time 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."

Unique Characteristics

The "sword dragon" is thought to have been about 3m long and has multiple features that have not been seen in other species of ichthyosaur.

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

Life and Death

There are also clues as to how this specific individual lived and died.

"Its fins and dental structure are malformed in such a way that points to significant trauma or disease while the creature was still alive," stated study contributor Dr Erin Maxwell.

"Its head seems to have been bitten by a sizeable hunter - probably another much larger species of ichthyosaur - providing a reason for demise for this individual. Existence in ancient seas 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 took more than 15 years to be completely studied.

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

The precise count he's unearthed is somewhere in the region of 15, with multiple of them, including the "blade serpent", turning out to be previously unknown types.

The discoverer stated he is planning to celebrate the recent finding but has not yet determined precisely what form the celebration will take.

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

The 'sword dragon' is one of numerous ichthyosaur remains 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.