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An almost intact skeleton discovered along Dorset's Jurassic Coast has been identified as a previously unknown kind of ichthyosaur, a type of ancient marine reptile that once dominated the oceans.

The dolphin-sized ichthyosaur has been named Xiphodracon goldencapensis, or the "sword dragon of Dorset" and represents the sole documented specimen of its kind.

Scientists report that marks on its skull suggest the "sword dragon" may have been killed by a attack to the head, possibly inflicted by a much larger species of ichthyosaur.

Initially found by a experienced fossil hunter at Golden Cap in Dorset in 2001, the new ichthyosaur was subsequently acquired by a museum in Canada.

Only in recent times been fully analyzed by experts and a research document published classifying it as a new species 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

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

"During this time ichthyosaurs are extremely uncommon, and Xiphodracon is the best preserved individual ever found from there, helping to fill a gap," Dr Lomax said. "It's a missing piece of the mystery in ichthyosaur evolution."

Distinctive Features

Researchers estimate the creature measured about 3m in length and has multiple characteristics that have not been seen in other types of ichthyosaur.

• Researchers report the most unusual feature is a fork-shaped bone near its nostril
• The skull has an enormous eye socket
• A long sword-like snout that it used to consume fish and squid

Existence and Demise

Evidence also exists as to how this particular specimen lived and died.

"The limb bones and teeth are malformed in such a way that indicates significant trauma or illness while the creature was still living," stated study contributor Dr Erin Maxwell.

"The skull seems to have been attacked by a large predator - probably a different considerably bigger type of ichthyosaur - giving us a reason for demise for this specimen. Life in the Mesozoic oceans was a risky prospect."

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 took 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 stated.

The actual number he's unearthed is approximately 15, with several of them, like the "sword dragon", turning out to be previously unknown types.

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

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

The 'sword dragon' is one of numerous ichthyosaur fossils that have been discovered along Dorset's Jurassic Coast since the first discoveries of trailblazing palaeontologist Mary Anning in the beginning of the nineteenth century.