Cookiecutter shark

The cookiecutter shark (Isistius brasiliensis) is a species of small dogfish shark in the family Dalatiidae. This shark, also called the cigar shark, lives in warm, oceanic waters around the world. It often lives near islands. It has been recorded as deep as 3.7 kilometres (2.3 mi).

The name "cookiecutter shark" refers to its biting. It takes round plugs, as if cut out with a cookie cutter, out of larger animals. Marks made by cookiecutter sharks have been found on many marine mammals and fishes, as well as on submarines, undersea cables, and even human bodies.

Cookiecutter Shark Media

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  The suctorial lips and large lower teeth of the cookiecutter sharks are adaptations for its parasitic lifestyle.

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  The dark collar of the cookiecutter shark is believed to act as a lure.

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  Pomfrets are one of the many species parasitized by the cookiecutter shark.

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  Round scars from cookiecutter shark bites are found on many cetaceans, such as this beached Gray's beaked whale.

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  A cookiecutter shark is caught on a longline near Hawaii; large spiracles are located behind the eyes.