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An almost intact skeleton discovered along the Jurassic Coast has been classified as a previously unknown kind of ichthyosaur, a type of ancient marine reptile that once ruled the oceans.

The dolphin-sized ichthyosaur has been named Xiphodracon goldencapensis, or the "blade serpent of Dorset" and represents the only known specimen of its type.

Scientists report that marks on its cranium suggest the "blade serpent" may have been killed by a attack to the head, possibly delivered by a significantly bigger species of ichthyosaur.

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

Only in recent times been fully analyzed by experts and a research document published identifying it as a new species of ichthyosaur.

"I thought long and hard about the name," said ichthyosaur expert Dr Dean Lomax, who collaborated on the study classifying the fossil as a novel type.

"Xiphodracon translates to 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."

Ancient Marine Life

These creatures are categorized as marine reptiles, not dinosaurs, because they spent their lives in the water. This particular ichthyosaur is believed to have swum the seas about 185 million years ago, a period from which extremely rare ichthyosaur remains have been found.

"In this period ichthyosaurs are extremely uncommon, and Xiphodracon is the most complete individual ever discovered from there, helping to fill a gap," Dr Lomax stated. "It's a missing piece of the mystery in ichthyosaur evolution."

Distinctive Features

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

• Scientists say the strangest feature is a prong-like bone near its nose opening
• The skull has an exceptionally large 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 particular specimen lived and died.

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

"The skull seems to have been bitten by a large predator - likely another much larger type of ichthyosaur - giving us a cause of death for this individual. Life in the Mesozoic oceans was a dangerous situation."

Finding and Study

The specimen was found 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 fully analyzed.

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

The actual number he's unearthed is approximately 15, with multiple of them, including the "sword dragon", turning out to be new species.

The discoverer stated he is planning to celebrate the new discovery but has not yet determined precisely what form the celebration will take.

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

This remarkable discovery is one of numerous ichthyosaur remains that have been found along Dorset's Jurassic Coast dating back to the initial findings of pioneering palaeontologist Mary Anning in the beginning of the nineteenth century.