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An almost intact skeleton found along Dorset's Jurassic Coast has been identified as a new species of ichthyosaur, a type 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 sole documented example of its kind.

Scientists state that indentations on its cranium suggest the "blade serpent" may have been killed by a attack to the head, possibly delivered by a much larger type of ichthyosaur.

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

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

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

"The name Xiphodracon means sword-like dragon and that refers to that very long, sword-like snout, but also the reality that ichthyosaurs have been called sea dragons for about 200 years."

Ancient Marine Life

These creatures are categorized as marine reptiles, rather than dinosaurs, because they lived entirely in the water. The discovered 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 incredibly rare, and Xiphodracon is the best preserved individual ever discovered from there, contributing to close a gap," Dr Lomax said. "It's a missing piece of the puzzle in ichthyosaur development."

Distinctive Features

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

• Researchers say the strangest detail is a prong-like bone near its nose opening
• The skull has an enormous eye socket
• A long sword-like snout that it used to eat fish and squid

Life and Death

There are also clues as to how this particular individual existed and perished.

"The limb bones and teeth are abnormally shaped in such a way that indicates significant trauma or disease while the animal was still living," said study co-author Dr Erin Maxwell.

"Its head seems to have been bitten by a large predator - likely a different much larger species of ichthyosaur - giving us a cause of death for this individual. Existence in ancient seas was a dangerous situation."

Discovery and Analysis

This "sword dragon" was discovered in 2001 by paleontology enthusiast Chris Moore and then obtained by the Royal Ontario Museum in Canada where it required more than 15 years to be completely studied.

"I don't wish to blow my own ichthyosaur trumpet but I have discovered 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 "blade serpent", proving to be new species.

Mr Moore says he is intending to commemorate the recent finding but has yet to decide exactly how the celebration will take.

"Either sparkling wine or traditional brew, I'm not sure which yet," he commented.

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