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A nearly complete skeleton discovered along the Jurassic Coast has been identified 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.

Researchers state that marks on its skull suggest the "sword dragon" may have been fatally wounded by a attack to the head, possibly delivered by a significantly bigger species of ichthyosaur.

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

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

"I carefully considered about the name," stated ichthyosaur expert Dr Dean Lomax, who co-authored the paper classifying the fossil as a new species.

"Xiphodracon translates to sword-like dragon and that refers to that very long, sword-like snout, but also the reality that ichthyosaurs have been called sea dragons for about 200 years."

Prehistoric Ocean Creatures

Ichthyosaurs are classified as marine reptiles, not dinosaurs, because they lived entirely in the water. The discovered ichthyosaur is thought to have swum the seas about 185 million years ago, a period from which very few ichthyosaur remains have been discovered.

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

Unique Characteristics

Researchers estimate the creature measured about 3m in length and has multiple characteristics that have not been seen in other types of ichthyosaur.

• Researchers say the most unusual detail 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 individual lived and died.

"Its fins and dental structure are abnormally shaped in such a way that indicates serious injury or illness while the animal was still living," said study contributor Dr Erin Maxwell.

"Its head seems to have been bitten by a large predator - probably another considerably bigger type of ichthyosaur - providing a reason for demise for this individual. Existence in ancient seas was a dangerous prospect."

Finding and Study

This "sword dragon" was discovered in 2001 by fossil hunter 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 wish to blow my own ichthyosaur trumpet but I have discovered a few of them," Mr Moore said.

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

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

"Either sparkling wine or traditional brew, I'm undecided at this moment," he commented.

The 'sword dragon' is one of numerous ichthyosaur remains that have been found along Dorset's Jurassic Coast dating back to the first discoveries of trailblazing palaeontologist Mary Anning in the early 1800s.