It is known for its ability to migrate up from around 2 miles below the ocean's surface daily. The genus name refers to Isis, the Egyptian god of light; the species name refers to one place it's found, off the coast of Brazil. The cookiecutter shark is one of the most interesting sharks in the ocean, and it never grows bigger than 18-20 inches (~50 cm). This process ensures that they always have sharp, healthy teeth capable of feeding by their preferred strategy. The shark first secures itself to the body surface of its prey by closing its spiracles and retracting its basihyal (tongue) to create pressure lower than that of the surroundings; its suctorial lips ensure a tight seal. ): an examination of the Yemenia plane crash", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Cookiecutter_shark&oldid=1152385258, Short description is different from Wikidata, Taxonbars with automatically added original combinations, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 29 April 2023, at 22:57. [20] This shark's ability to create strong suction into its mouth is likely also of use in capturing smaller prey such as squid. [3][14][18][19] The cookiecutter shark also regularly hunts and eats entire squid with a mantle length of 1530cm (5.911.8in), comparable in size to the shark itself, as well as bristlemouths, copepods, and other prey of more modest dimensions. Isistius brasiliensis - Discover Fishes - Florida Museum The shark's luminescence is the strongest of any known shark. Cookiecutter sharks | UDaily - University of Delaware However, swimmers and divers should be aware that these sharks may mistake them for potential prey items. These sharks are covered with light organs, likely used for either communication or camouflage. Click here or below to download hands-on marine science activities for kids. The embryos had developed brown pigmentation, but not the dark collar or differentiated dentition. Tiny But Fearless Cookie-Cutter Sharks Will Bite Even Nuclear Submarines [20] The prevalence of these attacks can be high: off Hawaii, nearly every adult spinner dolphin bears scars from this species. The circumstances that led to that incident, however, are extreme. This name was later changed to Scymnus brasiliensis, followed by the currently valid Isistius brasiliensis (Quoy & Gaimard, 1824).