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A nearly complete skeleton discovered along Dorset's Jurassic Coast has been classified as a new 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 "sword dragon of Dorset" and represents the only known specimen of its kind.

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

Initially found by a prolific fossil hunter at Golden Cap in Dorset in 2001, the new ichthyosaur was later acquired by a institution in Canada.

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

"The name Xiphodracon means sword-like dragon and that refers to that very long, sword-like nose, but also the fact 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 believed to have swum the seas about 185 million years ago, a period from which extremely rare ichthyosaur remains have been found.

"During this time ichthyosaurs are extremely uncommon, 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 mystery in ichthyosaur evolution."

Unique Characteristics

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

• Researchers 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

Existence and Demise

Evidence also exists as to how this specific specimen lived and died.

"Its fins and dental structure are abnormally shaped in such a way that indicates serious injury or illness while the creature 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 - giving us a reason for demise for this individual. Existence in ancient seas was a dangerous 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 took more than 15 years to be completely studied.

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

The precise count he's unearthed is somewhere in the region of 15, with several of them, including the "sword dragon", turning out to be new species.

The discoverer stated he is intending to commemorate the recent finding but has yet to decide exactly how the recognition will take.

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

This remarkable discovery is among many ichthyosaur remains that have been found along Dorset's Jurassic Coast since the initial findings of trailblazing palaeontologist Mary Anning in the early 1800s.