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A nearly complete skeleton found along the Jurassic Coast has been classified as a previously unknown kind of ichthyosaur, a variety of prehistoric marine reptile that once dominated the oceans.

This marine creature ichthyosaur has been designated Xiphodracon goldencapensis, or the "blade serpent of Dorset" and represents the only known specimen of its kind.

Scientists state that indentations on its skull suggest the "sword dragon" may have been fatally wounded by a bite to the head, potentially inflicted by a significantly bigger species of ichthyosaur.

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

Only in recent times been fully analyzed by experts and a research document published classifying it as a previously unknown type of ichthyosaur.

"I carefully considered about the name," stated ichthyosaur specialist Dr Dean Lomax, who collaborated on the paper classifying the skeleton as a novel type.

"Xiphodracon translates to 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

Ichthyosaurs are classified as marine reptiles, rather than dinosaurs, because they spent their lives in the water. This particular ichthyosaur is thought to have inhabited the oceans about 185 million years ago, a time frame from which very few ichthyosaur remains have been discovered.

"During this time ichthyosaurs are extremely uncommon, and Xiphodracon is the most complete individual ever found from there, helping to fill a gap," Dr Lomax said. "It's a missing piece of the mystery in ichthyosaur evolution."

Distinctive Features

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

• Researchers say the strangest detail is a fork-shaped bone near its nostril
• Its head has an enormous eye socket
• A long sword-like nose that it used to eat fish and squid

Existence and Demise

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

"Its fins and dental structure are abnormally shaped in such a way that points to serious injury or disease while the animal was still alive," said study co-author Dr Erin Maxwell.

"Its head appears to have been attacked by a sizeable hunter - probably a different much larger type of ichthyosaur - giving us a cause of death for this individual. Existence in ancient seas was a risky situation."

Discovery and Analysis

This "sword dragon" was discovered in 2001 by paleontology enthusiast Chris Moore and then acquired 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 discovered is somewhere in the region of 15, with multiple of them, including the "sword dragon", 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 recognition will take.

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

This remarkable discovery is one of numerous ichthyosaur remains that have been found along Dorset's Jurassic Coast since the first discoveries of pioneering palaeontologist Mary Anning in the early 1800s.