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An almost intact skeleton found along the Jurassic Coast has been classified as a previously unknown kind of ichthyosaur, a variety of ancient marine reptile that once dominated the oceans.

This marine creature ichthyosaur has been named Xiphodracon goldencapensis, or the "sword dragon of Dorset" and represents the only known example of its kind.

Scientists state that indentations on its skull indicate the "sword dragon" may have been killed by a attack to the head, possibly inflicted by a significantly bigger species of ichthyosaur.

First discovered by a prolific fossil collector at Golden Cap in Dorset in 2001, the new ichthyosaur was later acquired by a institution in Canada.

It has only recently been completely studied by specialists and a paper published classifying it as a previously unknown type of ichthyosaur.

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

"The name Xiphodracon means sword-like dragon and that refers to that extremely elongated, sword-like snout, but also the fact that ichthyosaurs have been referred to as sea dragons for about 200 years."

Prehistoric Ocean Creatures

These creatures are categorized as marine reptiles, rather than dinosaurs, because they lived entirely in the water. This particular ichthyosaur is believed to have inhabited the oceans about 185 million years ago, a time frame from which extremely rare ichthyosaur remains have been discovered.

"During this time ichthyosaurs are extremely uncommon, and Xiphodracon is the most complete individual ever found from there, contributing to close a gap," Dr Lomax said. "It's a missing piece of the mystery in ichthyosaur development."

Distinctive Features

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 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 eat fish and squid

Existence and Demise

There are also clues as to how this specific specimen existed and perished.

"The limb bones and teeth are malformed in such a way that indicates significant trauma or illness while the creature was still alive," said study co-author Dr Erin Maxwell.

"Its head seems to have been attacked by a sizeable hunter - likely a different 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 acquired 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 found a number of them," Mr Moore said.

The precise count he's discovered is approximately 15, with multiple of them, including the "sword dragon", turning out to be new species.

Mr Moore says he is planning to celebrate the recent finding but has yet to decide precisely what form the celebration will take.

"Either sparkling wine or traditional brew, 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 since the initial findings of trailblazing palaeontologist Mary Anning in the beginning of the nineteenth century.