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An almost intact skeleton discovered along Dorset's Jurassic Coast has been identified as a previously unknown species of ichthyosaur, a variety of ancient 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 kind.

Scientists report that marks on its cranium suggest the "blade serpent" may have been fatally wounded by a attack to the head, potentially inflicted by a much larger type of ichthyosaur.

First discovered by a prolific fossil collector at Golden Cap in Dorset in 2001, the recently identified ichthyosaur was later obtained 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," stated ichthyosaur specialist Dr Dean Lomax, who co-authored the study classifying the skeleton as a new species.

"The name Xiphodracon means sword-like dragon and that refers to that very long, sword-like nose, 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 lived entirely in the water. The discovered ichthyosaur is believed to have inhabited the oceans about 185 million years ago, a period from which extremely rare 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 said. "It's a missing piece of the puzzle in ichthyosaur evolution."

Unique Characteristics

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

• Scientists say the most unusual feature is a fork-shaped bone near its nose opening
• The skull has an enormous eye socket
• An extended sword-like nose that it used to eat fish and squid

Existence and Demise

Evidence also exists as to how this specific individual existed and perished.

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

"The skull seems to have been attacked by a large predator - likely another considerably bigger type of ichthyosaur - providing a cause of death for this specimen. Existence in ancient seas was a dangerous 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 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, like the "blade serpent", turning out to be new species.

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

"Champagne or a mug of tea, I'm undecided at this moment," he says.

This remarkable discovery is one of numerous 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.