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An almost intact skeleton found along the Jurassic Coast has been classified as a previously unknown kind of ichthyosaur, a type of ancient marine reptile that once dominated the oceans.

The dolphin-sized ichthyosaur has been designated Xiphodracon goldencapensis, or the "blade serpent of Dorset" and represents the sole documented example of its type.

Researchers state that marks on its cranium suggest the "sword dragon" may have been killed by a attack to the head, possibly delivered by a significantly bigger species of ichthyosaur.

First discovered by a prolific fossil hunter at Golden Cap in Dorset in 2001, the new ichthyosaur was subsequently acquired by a institution in Canada.

It has only recently been completely studied by specialists and a research document published classifying it as a previously unknown type of ichthyosaur.

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

"Xiphodracon translates to sword-like dragon and that refers to that extremely elongated, sword-like snout, but also the reality that ichthyosaurs have been referred to as sea dragons for about 200 years."

Ancient Marine Life

Ichthyosaurs are classified as marine reptiles, rather than dinosaurs, because they lived entirely in the water. This particular ichthyosaur is thought to have swum the seas about 185 million years ago, a time frame from which very few ichthyosaur remains have been found.

"During this time ichthyosaurs are incredibly rare, and Xiphodracon is the most complete individual ever found from there, helping to fill a gap," Dr Lomax stated. "This represents a crucial element of the mystery in ichthyosaur evolution."

Unique Characteristics

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

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

Existence and Demise

There are also clues as to how this specific specimen existed and perished.

"The limb bones and teeth are abnormally shaped in such a way that indicates significant trauma or illness while the creature was still alive," said study co-author Dr Erin Maxwell.

"Its head seems to have been attacked by a sizeable hunter - probably another considerably bigger species of ichthyosaur - giving us a cause of death for this individual. Existence in ancient seas was a risky situation."

Discovery and Analysis

The specimen was found in 2001 by paleontology enthusiast 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 wish to blow my own ichthyosaur trumpet but I have found a few of them," Mr Moore said.

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

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

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

The 'sword dragon' is among many ichthyosaur remains that have been discovered along Dorset's Jurassic Coast since the first discoveries of trailblazing palaeontologist Mary Anning in the beginning of the nineteenth century.