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A nearly complete skeleton found along the Jurassic Coast has been classified as a new species of ichthyosaur, a variety of prehistoric marine reptile that once dominated the oceans.

This marine creature ichthyosaur has been named Xiphodracon goldencapensis, or the "blade serpent of Dorset" and represents the only known specimen of its kind.

Scientists report that marks on its cranium indicate the "sword dragon" may have been fatally wounded 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 new ichthyosaur was later obtained by a institution in Canada.

Only in recent times been fully analyzed by specialists and a paper published classifying 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 skeleton as a novel type.

"Xiphodracon translates to sword-like dragon and that is in reference 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

Ichthyosaurs are classified as marine reptiles, not dinosaurs, because they lived entirely in the water. This particular ichthyosaur is thought to have inhabited the oceans about 185 million years ago, a time frame from which very few ichthyosaur fossils have been discovered.

"In this period ichthyosaurs are extremely uncommon, 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 evolution."

Distinctive Features

Researchers estimate the creature measured about 3m long and has multiple features that have never been observed in other species of ichthyosaur.

• Scientists say the strangest feature is a fork-shaped bone near its nose opening
• Its head has an enormous eye socket
• A long sword-like nose that it used to consume fish and squid

Existence and Demise

Evidence also exists as to how this specific specimen existed and perished.

"Its fins and dental structure are abnormally shaped in such a way that points to serious injury or illness while the animal was still living," said study co-author Dr Erin Maxwell.

"The skull seems to have been attacked by a large predator - probably a different considerably bigger species of ichthyosaur - providing a reason for demise for this specimen. Life in the Mesozoic oceans was a risky 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 required more than 15 years to be fully analyzed.

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

The precise count he's discovered is approximately 15, with several of them, like the "blade serpent", proving to be new species.

The discoverer stated 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 found along Dorset's Jurassic Coast since the first discoveries of pioneering palaeontologist Mary Anning in the early 1800s.