Overview

• A new species of 25-million-year-old dolphin with unusual tusk-like teeth was found off the coast of New Zealand.
• The teeth indicate a previously unknown feeding strategy in which the dolphin stunned and injured small prey before eating them.
• Named Nihohae matakoi, the dolphin likely ate small, soft-bodied prey like squid using rapid and powerful attacks followed by limited chewing.
• The unusual teeth, unlike any seen today, were likely used to swiftly attack and wound small prey before consuming them.
• The dolphin’s feeding strategy was different from any known today and points to greater diversity in how ancient marine mammals ate.