Facts about Cookie-cutter Sharks
The cookie-cutter shark, Isistius brasiliensis is a small rarely-seen dogfish shark. It is also known as the cigar shark or luminous shark. The cookie-cutter shark has a cigar shaped body. The cookie-cutter shark has been found at depths of about 1,000 m (3,300 ft). The underside of the shark is bioluminescent, glowing a pale blue-green that matches the background light from the ocean's surface that serves as camouflage to creatures beneath it. However, a small non-luminescent patch appears black, deceiving the shark's prey, smaller predatory fish (like tuna), into thinking the shark is an even smaller fish. When the predatory fish tries to strike at the shark, the shark strikes back, scoring itself another meal. They are a small 50 cm (20 in )shark. It derived its name from its habit of removing small circular chunks of flesh from cetaceans and large fish. It has large eyes with green pupils. The upper jaw of the cookie-cutter shark consists of small teeth. The cookie-cutter shark has prominent triangular teeth used for feeding on the lower jaw. The cookie-cutter shark bears rather fleshy lips. The creature has 2 small dorsal fins located toward the tail. This shark is present worldwide in deep waters. They are considered parasites. Cookie-cutter sharks reproduce through aplacental viviparity in the same way as great white sharks. |
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