Overview

Cookiecutter sharks are small, deep-sea sharks that are easily recognizable due to their distinctive cylindrical body shape and the large, circular bite mark they leave on their prey. Their dark brown to black skin is smooth and lacks scales, and they have a large, crescent-shaped mouth with sharp, needle-like teeth. Unlike other members of the Dalatiidae family, cookiecutter sharks have a unique, bioluminescent patch on their underside, which they use to attract prey. This patch is a distinctive feature that helps differentiate them from other similar species.

Commonly found in:

1. Australia
2. New Zealand
3. South Africa
4. Japan
5. Hawaii
6. California
7. Florida
8. Mexico
9. Brazil
10. Indonesia
11. Philippines
12. Thailand
13. Malaysia
14. India
15. Sri Lanka

Over the past 15 years, there have been 5 recorded attacks by cookiecutter sharks. Of these attacks, they have occurred at sea and at the following beaches:

• LIST OF BEACHES HERE

Size and Weight

• Size: Males average 16-22 inches when mature; females average 16-22 inches when mature
• Weight: Males average 1-2 pounds when mature; females average 1-2 pounds when mature
• Swimming speed: Both sexes typically swim at 1-2 mph

Interaction with Humans

• Interaction with Humans: Rare encounters, occasionally bite passing ships or submarines
• Avoidance: Stay out of deep oceanic waters at night
• Activity: Primarily nocturnal

Lifespan and Diet

• Lifespan: Both males and females live approximately 10-15 years
• Diet: Feeds on flesh and blubber of larger marine animals, using its specialized jaws to remove circular chunks of tissue

Migratory Patterns

Cookiecutter sharks do not have well-defined migratory patterns. They are primarily found in tropical and temperate waters worldwide, typically inhabiting deep oceanic areas. These sharks are known to perform daily vertical migrations, moving from depths of around 1,000-3,000 meters during the day to shallower waters of about 85-3,000 meters at night to feed. However, they do not undertake long-distance horizontal migrations between specific geographic locations or countries.