Paleontologists suggest the teeth may have been used as a means of defence, competitive fighting or digging. According to a study recently published in the open-access journal PLOS ONE by Caryn Clayson and colleagues from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine in the US.

O. rastrosusFirst described in the 1970s, the species is estimated to reach 2.7 meters (8.9 ft) in length, making it the largest member of the salmonid family ever discovered. At first, researchers thought that because the fossilized teeth were found separate from the rest of the skull, their large front teeth pointed toward the mouth like fangs.

This led to the common name “saber-tooth salmon”. But thanks to new computed tomography and analysis of various fossils, Oncorhynchus rastrosus, Thanks to teeth collected over the years, researchers were now able to confirm that the teeth were actually pointing out of the fish’s mouth, like a wild boar. As a result, the authors say the species should be renamed “toothed salmon.”

Potential use of perfect teeth

Although it’s unclear exactly what these teeth might have been used for, researchers believe they were probably used in combat against other stickleback salmon, for protection against predators, or as a means of digging burrows. The authors state that it is possible that the teeth were used for many purposes. But the teeth were probably not used to catch prey, because it is believed Oncorhynchus rastrosus It was a filter feeder that fed on plankton.

Caryn Clayson, lead author and professor of anatomy at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, adds: “We’ve known for decades that this extinct salmon from Central Oregon was the largest salmon that ever lived. Discoveries like ours suggest they probably weren’t gentle giants. “These huge spines on the tip of their snout will be useful for protection against predators, competing with other salmon, and ultimately building nests in which to incubate their eggs.”

Edward Davis, assistant professor of earth sciences at the University of Oregon and director of the Condon Collection at the UO Museum of Natural and Cultural History, adds: “I’m thrilled that we were able to transform the face of the giant stickleback .toothed salmon in Oregon, bringing knowledge to the world.” .

Brian Sidlauskas, professor and curator of fishes at Oregon State University, adds: “We also emphasize that both males and females have huge, tusk-like teeth. So the sexes were just as badass.”