When the shark was discovered in 1824, it was named Tristius brasiliensis, followed by Scymnus brasiliensis, and, finally, its current name, Isistius brasiliensis. They’ve had three scientific names, that is. Then, the shark spins its body, using it’s lower set of serrated teeth like a can opener to remove a hunk of flesh, resulting in a wound that lives up to the shark’s name. It will attach itself to a tuna, marlin, stingray, another shark, or even a whale, by suctioning its lips to the body of the animal. The shark’s unique teeth and short, coned snout create these round chunks. The Cookiecutter Shark gets its name from the cookie-shaped bite wounds it leaves on its prey. The Cookiecutter Shark, also referred to as the cigar shark, is a fascinating creature with unique biological features and a penchant for large prey. Here are 13 interesting facts about your new favorite shark! 13 Amazing Facts About The Cookiecutter Shark There is little worry because of its wide distribution, deep-water habitat (making it harder to catch accidentally), and lack of interest to fisheries. The conservation status of this species, according to the IUCN Red List, is “Least Concern”. The authors suggest that people entering deep waters at night, in the range of this shark, should be aware. However, the first documented bite of a human – a long-distance ocean swimmer – was reported recently (Honebrink et al. The species targets larger, sought after fish as prey, but this does not have much of an economic effect on fisheries.Ĭookiecutter Sharks are not considered dangerous to people because they reside in deep-water habitat. This usually happens at night, when the sharks move toward the surface to feed and are thus more likely to be netted. Humans and Conservationįishers only occasionally trap Cookiecutter Sharks, because they are so small. They are fully developed at birth, already able to hunt. Each litter contains 6-12 live young that are born after 12-22 months.
This species is ovoviviparous, giving birth to pups that develop inside egg cases within the mother. Male Cookiecutters reach maturity at about 36 cm (14″) and females mature at roughly 40 cm (16″). Other species that feed on the Cookiecutter include sharks and other larger fish. (However one report suggested that “schools” of these sharks would be very attractive to large prey items, for the bioluminescence would make them look like a school of tiny fish). They are believed to be mostly solitary, interacting with other members of the species mainly to mate. The diet can also include whole squid and crustaceans.Īside from the feeding method, little is known about these sharks’ biology. Targets commonly include large fish such as marlin, tuna, other sharks and stingrays, and marine mammals including seals and whales. (Pretty ingenious and brave of the little guy, huh?) The shark attaches to the prey using its strong, sucking lips, and then the efficient teeth go to work, almost like a can-opener. Then, just prior to reaching the Cookiecutter, the larger fish is surprised by the shark. This draws in the larger prey that are looking for a meal.
Cookie cutter sharks Patch#
The dark patch of the throat, against the glow of the underside, is thought to appear like a small fish when viewed from deeper waters. The light emitted from the shark’s belly attracts larger fish. This shark’s mouth is unmistakable: the small teeth in the upper jaw are erect, and the teeth in the lower jaw are large and triangular. The feeding method is very curious: although this species is rather small, it uses the unique teeth in its round mouth to take cookie-sized bites from the flesh of larger marine creatures, like dolphins. At night, Cookiecutter Sharks move closer to the surface to feed, but they still stay at least 90 m (300 ft) deep.
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