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 shark 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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