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A nearly complete skeleton discovered along Dorset's 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 stands as the only known example of its kind.

Scientists report that indentations on its skull indicate the "sword dragon" may have been fatally wounded by a bite 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 new ichthyosaur was subsequently obtained by a institution in Canada.

It has only recently been completely studied by specialists and a paper published classifying it as a new species of ichthyosaur.

"I carefully considered about the name," said ichthyosaur specialist Dr Dean Lomax, who co-authored the paper classifying 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 fact that ichthyosaurs have been called sea dragons for about 200 years."

Prehistoric Ocean Creatures

These creatures are categorized as marine reptiles, rather than dinosaurs, because they spent their lives in the water. This particular ichthyosaur is believed to have swum the seas 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 best preserved individual ever found from there, contributing to close a gap," Dr Lomax stated. "It's a missing piece of the puzzle in ichthyosaur evolution."

Distinctive Features

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

• Scientists say the most unusual detail is a prong-like bone near its nose opening
• Its head has an exceptionally large 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 particular specimen lived and died.

"Its fins and dental structure are malformed in such a way that points to significant trauma or disease while the animal was still living," said study co-author Dr Erin Maxwell.

"The skull appears to have been attacked by a large predator - probably a different considerably bigger species of ichthyosaur - providing a cause of death for this individual. Existence in ancient seas was a risky prospect."

Finding and Study

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 fully analyzed.

"I don't wish to blow my own ichthyosaur trumpet but I have found a few of them," Mr Moore stated.

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

The discoverer stated he is planning to celebrate the new discovery but has not yet determined 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 initial findings of trailblazing palaeontologist Mary Anning in the early 1800s.