Species learning profile
Cookiecutter shark
Isistius brasiliensis
Cookiecutter shark (Isistius brasiliensis) is a saltwater fish associated with deep sea habitat in Global. Suction and saw-like lower teeth remove round plugs of flesh from larger animals.
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At a glance
- Eau
- Eau salée
- Habitat
- Mer profonde
- Longueur maximale
- 56 cm
- Répartition
- Monde entier
- Famille
- Dalatiidae
- Ordre
- Squaliformes
Observe
How to identify Cookiecutter shark
- Suction and saw-like lower teeth remove round plugs of flesh from larger animals.
- Guide context: deep sea habitat in Global.
- Reported maximum length: 56 cm — up to about the length of a guitar. Maximum is not the same as typical adult size.
Field note: color, size, and markings can change with age, sex, season, depth, and lighting. Use several traits together.
Place and pattern
Where it lives—and how it behaves
Habitat and range
This species is associated with deep sea habitat across Global. Food is scarce and sunlight is absent or faint, favoring energy-saving movement and specialized senses.
Behavior
Rises from depth at night
Food-web connections
What it eats and why it matters
Diet
Tissue from large animals, squid, and small fish.
Ecological role
A small parasite-like predator of large ocean animals.
Remember
One fact worth keeping
Cookiecutter shark peut atteindre environ 56 cm et vit souvent près de Mer profonde.
Think like a conservationist
A conservation lens
Deep-sea animals often grow slowly, and recovery can be difficult after habitat disturbance or heavy fishing.
This habitat lens is not a current population-status assessment. Status can differ among regions and change as new assessments are published; follow the reference links and local fisheries or wildlife agencies for current decisions.
Recall
Quick knowledge check
Which habitat is most closely associated with Cookiecutter shark in this guide?
Keep exploring
References and further reading
Fishdle summarizes stable identification and ecology concepts in plain language. Taxonomy and population knowledge continue to change, so use primary assessments and regional authorities for conservation or management decisions.
Make connections