A prehistoric salmon species that lived 5 million years ago, Oncorhynchus rastrosus, had tusk-like teeth that it used for various purposes such as competing with rivals, defending itself from predators, and digging nests. This giant salmon was up to 2.7 meters long and weighed over 180 kg. It inhabited the northwestern seas of North America during the Mesozoic era, ambushing its prey in both seas and rivers.
Initially thought to have fang-like teeth that grew backwards, Oncorhynchus rastrosus was often referred to as the “sabre-toothed salmon” due to its distinctive pair of teeth. However, recent studies have shown that its two curved tusks may have been used for fighting rivals or predators. These tusks could have also assisted in digging nests for spawning or resting while swimming upstream.
Contrary to popular belief, this giant salmon species most likely did not use its teeth for catching prey but rather acted as water filters to feed on plankton. Their large size and gill rakers supported this theory as they consumed more organisms and obtained more nutrients through filter feeding. Like their relatives the sockeye salmon, Oncorhynchus rastrosus had an abundance of gill rakers, indicating a filter-feeding behavior.
Living in environments with ample water and food sources, Oncorhynchus rastrosus thrived during a period when the Earth’s oceans were warmer than they are today. They followed a migration pattern similar to modern-day salmon hatching in freshwater, swimming to the ocean, and returning to freshwater to spawn and die. However, their extinction was likely linked to global cooling which reduced resources necessary for sustaining their large bodies.
In the future researchers plan to further analyze and explore the use of Oncorhynchus rastrosus’ tusks. Understanding the behaviors and adaptations of this ancient giant salmon species can provide insight into evolutionary patterns and how environmental changes impact wildlife populations.
In conclusion, Oncorhynchus rastrosus is a fascinating prehistoric salmon species whose existence challenges our understanding of what we thought were possible fish sizes and capabilities