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

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

Scientists report that marks on its cranium suggest the "blade serpent" may have been killed by a bite to the head, possibly inflicted by a much larger species of ichthyosaur.

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

It has only recently been fully analyzed by specialists and a paper published identifying it as a new species of ichthyosaur.

"I thought long and hard about the name," stated ichthyosaur expert Dr Dean Lomax, who collaborated on the paper identifying the skeleton as a novel type.

"Xiphodracon translates to sword-like dragon and that refers to that very long, sword-like snout, but also the reality that ichthyosaurs have been called sea dragons for about 200 years."

Prehistoric Ocean Creatures

Ichthyosaurs are classified as marine reptiles, rather than dinosaurs, because they lived entirely in the water. The discovered ichthyosaur is believed to have inhabited the oceans about 185 million years ago, a time frame from which very few ichthyosaur remains have been found.

"In this period ichthyosaurs are incredibly rare, and Xiphodracon is the best preserved individual ever discovered from there, contributing to close a gap," Dr Lomax said. "It's a missing piece of the puzzle in ichthyosaur development."

Unique Characteristics

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

• Researchers say the most unusual feature is a fork-shaped bone near its nose opening
• Its head has an enormous eye socket
• A long sword-like snout that it used to consume 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 malformed in such a way that points to significant trauma or illness while the animal was still alive," stated study contributor Dr Erin Maxwell.

"The skull seems to have been bitten by a large predator - probably a different much larger species of ichthyosaur - providing a reason for demise for this individual. Existence in ancient seas was a dangerous prospect."

Discovery and Analysis

The specimen was found in 2001 by fossil hunter Chris Moore and then acquired by the Royal Ontario Museum in Canada where it took more than 15 years to be fully analyzed.

"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 multiple of them, like the "sword dragon", proving to be new species.

The discoverer stated he is intending to commemorate the new discovery but has yet to decide precisely what form the celebration will take.

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

The 'sword dragon' is among many ichthyosaur fossils that have been found along Dorset's Jurassic Coast dating back to the initial findings of trailblazing palaeontologist Mary Anning in the early 1800s.