Oncorhynchus rastrosus: The Giant Salmon of the Mesozoic Era
A study published in 1972 described a previously unknown species of salmon, Oncorhynchus rastrosus, which was believed to have fang-like teeth that grew backwards. This giant salmon, up to 2.7 meters long and weighing over 180 kg, lived 5 million years ago in the northwestern seas of North America during the Mesozoic era. It is now understood that its two curved tusks, resembling those of warty pigs, were likely used for fighting rivals or predators and digging nests for spawning or resting while swimming upstream.
Unlike popular belief, this ancient giant salmon species did not use its teeth for catching prey. Instead, it may have acted as water filters to feed on plankton, a theory supported by its large size and gill rakers. Its abundance of gill rakers indicates a filter-feeding behavior that allowed it to consume more organisms and obtain more nutrients.
Oncorhynchus rastrosus thrived in environments with ample water and food sources. 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 the resources necessary to sustain their large bodies.
Researchers plan to further analyze and explore the use of Oncorhynchus rastrosus’ tusks in the future. Understanding the behaviors and adaptations of this ancient giant salmon species can provide insight into evolutionary patterns and the impact of environmental changes on wildlife populations.
The Tusk-Like Teeth of Oncorhynchus Rastrosus
Oncorhynchus rastrosus is a prehistoric salmon species discovered in 1972 that had tusk-like teeth that were initially thought to grow backwards.
These teeth were often referred to as fangs or sabres due to their distinctive pair of tusks.
Recent studies have shown that these tusk-like teeth may have been used for fighting rivals or predators.
The two curved tusks could have also assisted in digging nests for spawning or resting while swimming upstream.
