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Cookiecutter Shark

Did you know the cookiecutter shark is a parasite? It feeds off of larger animals without killing them – but definitely leaves a mark!

 

Cookiecutter sharks are a relatively small shark species, only growing up to around 22 inches long. They are an open ocean species where they undertake daily vertical migrations, spending their days in deep waters likely below 914 meters (3,000 feet) and rising to shallow waters at night to feed.  

The cookiecutter shark’s large jaw and prominent bottom teeth are not only their most distinctive features but instrumental in their unique way of feeding. They attract prey using luminous spots on their bellies – which look similar to a small fish from below. When a larger animal approaches, the cookiecutter shark bites the larger animal, latching and spinning to remove a perfectly round piece of flesh from their prey.  

 

 

Not much is known about the population of cookiecutter sharks. While they are not a target species in commercial fishing, they are occasionally caught on accident by fisheries targeting other species. Globally, they are considered a species of “Least Concern” by the IUCN Red List. 

 

 

Protecting and restoring our oceans benefits wildlife around the world, including cookiecutter sharks. By working together, we can create real, measurable change for our oceans and the marine life that call them home. Learn more about Oceana’s campaigns to protect and restore marine biodiversity and abundance.  

 

 

 

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