The Mesozoic Era’s Monstrous Salmon: A Look at Oncorhynchus rastrosus

The largest salmon species ever discovered, 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 prehistoric salmon, which lived 5 million years ago, 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.

A distinctive pair of curved tusks, resembling those of warty pigs, were found on this giant salmon species. Recent studies have shown that these tusks may have been used for fighting rivals or predators or for digging nests for spawning or resting while swimming upstream. However, contrary to popular belief, this giant salmon species most likely did not use its teeth for catching prey. Instead, they may have acted as water filters to feed on plankton.

Oncorhynchus rastrosus thrived in environments with ample water and food sources during a period when the Earth’s oceans were warmer. They followed a migration pattern similar to modern-day salmon hatching in freshwater