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An almost intact skeleton discovered along Dorset's Jurassic Coast has been classified as a new kind of ichthyosaur, a type of prehistoric marine reptile that once ruled the oceans.

This marine creature ichthyosaur has been named Xiphodracon goldencapensis, or the "sword dragon of Dorset" and represents the sole documented example of its type.

Scientists report that indentations on its cranium suggest the "sword dragon" may have been fatally wounded by a bite to the head, possibly inflicted by a much larger species of ichthyosaur.

First discovered by a prolific fossil hunter at Golden Cap in Dorset in 2001, the recently identified ichthyosaur was later acquired by a museum in Canada.

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

"I thought long and hard about the name," said ichthyosaur expert Dr Dean Lomax, who co-authored the study classifying the fossil as a new species.

"The name Xiphodracon means sword-like dragon and that is in reference to that very long, sword-like nose, but also the reality that ichthyosaurs have been referred to as sea dragons for about 200 years."

Prehistoric Ocean Creatures

These creatures are categorized as marine reptiles, not dinosaurs, because they spent their lives in the water. This particular ichthyosaur is thought to have swum the seas about 185 million years ago, a time frame from which very few ichthyosaur remains have been discovered.

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

Unique Characteristics

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

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

Life and Death

Evidence also exists as to how this particular individual lived and died.

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

"The skull appears to have been bitten by a sizeable hunter - probably another much larger species of ichthyosaur - providing a cause of death for this individual. Existence in ancient seas was a dangerous prospect."

Finding and Study

This "sword dragon" was discovered in 2001 by paleontology enthusiast 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 wish to blow my own ichthyosaur trumpet but I have found a number of them," Mr Moore stated.

The actual number he's discovered is approximately 15, with several of them, including the "sword dragon", proving to be new species.

The discoverer stated he is intending to commemorate the recent finding but has yet to decide precisely what form the celebration will take.

"Champagne or a mug of tea, I'm not sure which yet," he says.

The 'sword dragon' is among many ichthyosaur remains that have been discovered along Dorset's Jurassic Coast dating back to the first discoveries of pioneering palaeontologist Mary Anning in the early 1800s.