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An almost intact skeleton discovered along the Jurassic Coast has been identified as a new kind of ichthyosaur, a variety of ancient marine reptile that once ruled 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 kind.

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

Initially found by a experienced 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 completely studied by experts and a paper released classifying it as a previously unknown type of ichthyosaur.

"I carefully considered about the name," stated ichthyosaur specialist Dr Dean Lomax, who co-authored the study identifying the fossil as a new species.

"Xiphodracon translates to sword-like dragon and that is in reference 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

Ichthyosaurs are classified as marine reptiles, not dinosaurs, because they lived entirely in the water. This particular ichthyosaur is believed to have inhabited the oceans about 185 million years ago, a period from which very few ichthyosaur fossils have been discovered.

"In this period ichthyosaurs are incredibly rare, and Xiphodracon is the most complete individual ever found from there, helping to fill a gap," Dr Lomax stated. "It's a missing piece of the puzzle in ichthyosaur development."

Unique Characteristics

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

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

Life and Death

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

"The limb bones and teeth are abnormally shaped in such a way that points to serious injury or disease while the animal was still alive," stated study co-author Dr Erin Maxwell.

"The skull seems to have been bitten by a large predator - probably another considerably bigger type of ichthyosaur - providing a cause of death for this individual. Existence in ancient seas was a dangerous situation."

Finding and Study

The specimen was found 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 few of them," Mr Moore said.

The actual number he's discovered is approximately 15, with several of them, like the "sword dragon", proving to be previously unknown types.

The discoverer stated he is planning to celebrate the recent finding but has not yet determined precisely what form 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 dating back to the first discoveries of pioneering palaeontologist Mary Anning in the early 1800s.