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

The dolphin-sized ichthyosaur has been designated Xiphodracon goldencapensis, or the "sword dragon of Dorset" and represents the only known example of its type.

Researchers report that marks on its skull indicate the "sword dragon" may have been killed by a attack to the head, possibly inflicted by a significantly bigger type of ichthyosaur.

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

It has only recently been fully analyzed by experts and a paper released identifying it as a new species of ichthyosaur.

"I carefully considered about the name," stated ichthyosaur expert Dr Dean Lomax, who co-authored the study classifying the fossil as a novel type.

"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

Ichthyosaurs are classified as marine reptiles, rather than dinosaurs, because they lived entirely in the water. This particular ichthyosaur is thought to have swum the seas 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 best preserved individual ever found from there, helping to fill a gap," Dr Lomax said. "This represents a crucial element of the mystery in ichthyosaur development."

Distinctive Features

Researchers estimate the creature measured about 3m long and has several characteristics that have not been seen in other species of ichthyosaur.

• Researchers report the most unusual feature is a prong-like bone near its nostril
• The skull has an enormous eye socket
• An extended sword-like nose that it used to eat fish and squid

Existence and Demise

Evidence also exists 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 animal was still alive," stated study co-author Dr Erin Maxwell.

"The skull seems to have been attacked by a sizeable hunter - probably another considerably bigger species of ichthyosaur - providing a reason for demise for this specimen. Life in the Mesozoic oceans was a dangerous prospect."

Discovery and Analysis

This "sword dragon" was discovered 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 fully analyzed.

"I don't wish to blow my own ichthyosaur trumpet but I have discovered a few of them," Mr Moore said.

The precise count he's discovered is somewhere in the region of 15, with multiple of them, like the "sword dragon", turning out to be previously unknown types.

Mr Moore says he is planning to celebrate the new discovery but has not yet determined exactly how the celebration will take.

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

This remarkable discovery is among many ichthyosaur fossils that have been discovered along Dorset's Jurassic Coast since the first discoveries of trailblazing palaeontologist Mary Anning in the early 1800s.