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An almost intact skeleton found along the Jurassic Coast has been classified as a new kind of ichthyosaur, a variety of prehistoric marine reptile that once ruled the oceans.

This marine creature ichthyosaur has been designated Xiphodracon goldencapensis, or the "blade serpent of Dorset" and represents the sole documented example of its kind.

Researchers report that indentations on its skull indicate the "blade serpent" may have been fatally wounded by a bite to the head, possibly inflicted by a significantly bigger species of ichthyosaur.

Initially found by a prolific fossil hunter at Golden Cap in Dorset in 2001, the recently identified ichthyosaur was later obtained by a museum in Canada.

It has only recently been completely studied by specialists and a paper released identifying it as a new species of ichthyosaur.

"I carefully considered about the name," said ichthyosaur expert Dr Dean Lomax, who co-authored the paper identifying the skeleton as a novel type.

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

Prehistoric Ocean Creatures

These creatures are categorized as marine reptiles, rather than dinosaurs, because they spent their lives in the water. The discovered ichthyosaur is thought to have swum the seas about 185 million years ago, a period from which very few ichthyosaur fossils have been discovered.

"In this period ichthyosaurs are incredibly rare, and Xiphodracon is the best preserved individual ever found from there, contributing to close a gap," Dr Lomax stated. "It's a missing piece of the puzzle in ichthyosaur evolution."

Unique Characteristics

Researchers estimate the creature measured about 3m long and has several characteristics that have not been seen in other species of ichthyosaur.

• Researchers say the most unusual feature is a prong-like 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

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

"The limb bones and teeth are abnormally shaped in such a way that indicates significant trauma or disease while the creature was still alive," said study contributor Dr Erin Maxwell.

"Its head seems to have been bitten by a sizeable hunter - likely a different considerably bigger species of ichthyosaur - providing a reason for demise for this individual. Life in the Mesozoic oceans was a risky 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 completely studied.

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

The precise count he's discovered is somewhere in the region of 15, with several of them, including the "blade serpent", proving to be previously unknown types.

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

"Either sparkling wine or traditional brew, I'm not sure which yet," 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 trailblazing palaeontologist Mary Anning in the early 1800s.