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A nearly complete skeleton discovered along Dorset's Jurassic Coast has been classified as a new species of ichthyosaur, a variety of ancient marine reptile that once ruled the oceans.

The dolphin-sized ichthyosaur has been designated Xiphodracon goldencapensis, or the "blade serpent of Dorset" and represents the sole documented example of its kind.

Researchers state that marks on its cranium indicate the "blade serpent" may have been killed 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 recently identified ichthyosaur was later obtained by a institution in Canada.

Only in recent times been completely studied by experts and a paper published classifying it as a previously unknown type of ichthyosaur.

"I thought long and hard about the name," stated ichthyosaur specialist Dr Dean Lomax, who collaborated on the study identifying the fossil as a new species.

"The name Xiphodracon means sword-like dragon and that is in reference to that very long, sword-like snout, but also the reality 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 thought 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 best preserved individual ever discovered from there, contributing to close a gap," Dr Lomax stated. "This represents a crucial element of the mystery in ichthyosaur evolution."

Unique Characteristics

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

• Scientists report the strangest feature is a prong-like bone near its nostril
• Its head has an enormous eye socket
• An extended sword-like snout that it used to eat 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 malformed in such a way that indicates significant trauma or illness while the creature was still alive," said study contributor Dr Erin Maxwell.

"Its head seems to have been bitten by a large predator - likely a different much larger type of ichthyosaur - providing a reason for demise for this specimen. Existence in ancient seas was a dangerous situation."

Discovery and Analysis

This "sword dragon" was discovered in 2001 by fossil hunter Chris Moore and then acquired 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 found a few of them," Mr Moore said.

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

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

"Champagne or a mug of tea, I'm undecided at this moment," he commented.

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