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An almost intact skeleton found along the Jurassic Coast has been identified as a new species of ichthyosaur, a type of prehistoric 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 specimen of its type.

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

Initially found by a experienced 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 research document published classifying it as a previously unknown type of ichthyosaur.

"I carefully considered about the name," stated ichthyosaur specialist Dr Dean Lomax, who collaborated on the paper classifying the fossil as a new species.

"The name Xiphodracon means sword-like dragon and that refers to that very long, sword-like nose, 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, not dinosaurs, because they spent their lives in the water. This particular ichthyosaur is thought to have swum the seas about 185 million years ago, a time frame from which very few ichthyosaur remains have been discovered.

"In this period 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

Researchers estimate the creature measured about 3m in length and has several characteristics that have never been observed in other types of ichthyosaur.

• Scientists report the strangest feature is a prong-like bone near its nostril
• Its head has an enormous eye socket
• A long sword-like snout that it used to eat fish and squid

Life and Death

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

"The limb bones and teeth are abnormally shaped in such a way that indicates serious injury or illness while the animal was still living," stated study contributor Dr Erin Maxwell.

"Its head seems to have been attacked by a sizeable hunter - probably a different considerably bigger type of ichthyosaur - providing a reason for demise for this specimen. Existence in ancient seas was a dangerous situation."

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 fully analyzed.

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

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

The discoverer stated he is intending to commemorate the recent finding but has not yet determined exactly how the celebration will take.

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

This remarkable discovery is among many ichthyosaur remains that have been found along Dorset's Jurassic Coast since the initial findings of pioneering palaeontologist Mary Anning in the early 1800s.