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A nearly complete skeleton discovered along the Jurassic Coast has been identified as a new species of ichthyosaur, a variety of ancient marine reptile that once dominated the oceans.

The dolphin-sized ichthyosaur has been designated Xiphodracon goldencapensis, or the "sword dragon of Dorset" and represents the only known specimen of its type.

Scientists state that indentations on its cranium suggest the "sword dragon" may have been killed by a attack to the head, potentially delivered by a much larger species of ichthyosaur.

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

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

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

"The name Xiphodracon means sword-like dragon and that refers to that very long, 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, not dinosaurs, because they lived entirely in the water. This particular ichthyosaur is believed to have swum the seas about 185 million years ago, a time frame from which extremely rare ichthyosaur fossils have been found.

"In this period ichthyosaurs are extremely uncommon, and Xiphodracon is the best preserved individual ever discovered from there, contributing to close a gap," Dr Lomax said. "This represents a crucial element of the mystery in ichthyosaur development."

Distinctive Features

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

• Scientists report the strangest feature is a prong-like 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

Existence and Demise

There are also clues as to how this particular specimen lived and died.

"The limb bones and teeth are malformed in such a way that indicates serious injury or disease while the animal was still living," stated study co-author Dr Erin Maxwell.

"Its head appears to have been bitten by a large predator - likely another much larger type of ichthyosaur - providing a reason for demise for this individual. Life in the Mesozoic oceans was a dangerous situation."

Discovery and Analysis

This "sword dragon" was discovered in 2001 by paleontology enthusiast Chris Moore and then obtained by the Royal Ontario Museum in Canada where it required more than 15 years to be fully analyzed.

"I don't mean to boast but I have discovered a number of them," Mr Moore stated.

The actual number he's discovered is approximately 15, with several of them, including the "sword dragon", proving to be new species.

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

"Champagne or a mug of tea, I'm not sure which yet," he commented.

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