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

This marine creature ichthyosaur has been designated Xiphodracon goldencapensis, or the "sword dragon of Dorset" and stands as the only known specimen of its kind.

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

First discovered by a experienced fossil hunter at Golden Cap in Dorset in 2001, the recently identified ichthyosaur was subsequently acquired by a institution in Canada.

It has only recently been fully analyzed by specialists and a research document published classifying it as a new species of ichthyosaur.

"I carefully considered about the name," said ichthyosaur expert Dr Dean Lomax, who co-authored the paper identifying the skeleton 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 fact that ichthyosaurs have been referred to as sea dragons for about 200 years."

Ancient Marine Life

These creatures are categorized as marine reptiles, not dinosaurs, because they spent their lives in the water. The discovered ichthyosaur is believed to have inhabited the oceans about 185 million years ago, a period from which extremely rare ichthyosaur fossils have been found.

"During this time ichthyosaurs are incredibly rare, and Xiphodracon is the most complete individual ever found from there, helping to fill 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 characteristics that have not been seen in other types of ichthyosaur.

• Researchers report the strangest feature is a prong-like 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 specimen existed and perished.

"The limb bones and teeth are abnormally shaped in such a way that points to significant trauma or disease while the animal was still alive," said study contributor Dr Erin Maxwell.

"Its head appears to have been bitten by a sizeable hunter - likely another much larger species of ichthyosaur - providing a cause of death for this individual. Life in the Mesozoic oceans was a dangerous prospect."

Discovery and Analysis

The specimen was found in 2001 by paleontology enthusiast Chris Moore and then acquired by the Royal Ontario Museum in Canada where it required more than 15 years to be completely studied.

"I don't mean to boast but I have discovered a few of them," Mr Moore stated.

The actual number he's discovered is somewhere in the region of 15, with multiple of them, including the "sword dragon", proving to be previously unknown types.

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

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

This remarkable discovery is one of numerous ichthyosaur remains that have been discovered along Dorset's Jurassic Coast since the initial findings of trailblazing palaeontologist Mary Anning in the early 1800s.