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

Researchers state that marks on its skull indicate the "sword dragon" may have been fatally wounded by a attack to the head, possibly delivered by a significantly bigger type of ichthyosaur.

First discovered by a prolific fossil collector at Golden Cap in Dorset in 2001, the new ichthyosaur was subsequently obtained by a museum in Canada.

Only in recent times been fully analyzed by experts and a paper released 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 classifying the fossil as a new species.

"Xiphodracon translates to 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

These creatures are categorized as marine reptiles, rather than 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 period from which very few ichthyosaur remains have been found.

"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. "It's a missing piece of the puzzle in ichthyosaur development."

Distinctive Features

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

• Scientists report the strangest feature is a prong-like bone near its nose opening
• 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 particular specimen existed and perished.

"The limb bones and teeth are malformed in such a way that points to serious injury or illness while the creature was still living," said study co-author Dr Erin Maxwell.

"The skull appears to have been attacked by a large predator - probably a different considerably bigger species 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 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 discovered a number of them," Mr Moore said.

The actual number he's discovered is approximately 15, with multiple of them, like the "sword dragon", turning out to be new species.

Mr Moore says he is planning to celebrate the recent finding but has yet to decide exactly how the celebration will take.

"Either sparkling wine or traditional brew, I'm undecided at this moment," he says.

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