Cookiecutter Shark

The cookiecutter
shark, scientifically
Diagnosis
There is no laboratory diagnosis for cookiecutter shark bites on
known as Isistius
humans. For marine animals, diagnosis can be made through
brasiliensis, is a small physical examination of the wound, which is characterized
and elusive species that by a circular shape, raised tissue, and a cylindrical
belongs to the family Dalatiidae. chunk of flesh removed. Samples of the wound
It can be found in the warm waters tissue may be collected for analysis to confirm
of the world's oceans, primarily in tropical the presence of cookiecutter shark DNA or
and subtropical regions. While the cookiecutter shark identify any pathogens or contaminants.
only grows to be about 20 inches in length, it has a unique and
highly effective feeding strategy that allows it to prey on much larger animals.
The cookiecutter shark is a parasitic species, which means that it obtains its food by
feeding on other animals. However, unlike other parasites that live on or within their hosts,
the cookiecutter shark is an ectoparasite, which means that it feeds on the outside of its hosts. It uses its powerful,
circular mouth full of sharp teeth to latch onto the skin of its prey, and then twists and turns its body to take a cylindrical
chunk of flesh out of its victim. This behavior has led to the cookiecutter shark being commonly referred to as a "cigar shark."
The cookiecutter shark is able to target a wide range of animals as hosts, including whales, dolphins, seals, sea lions, and even larger fish
such as tuna and swordfish. However, despite its ability to prey on such large animals, the cookiecutter shark is not a particularly fast or
agile swimmer. Instead, it relies on stealth and patience to sneak up on its prey and deliver a quick, powerful bite.

Despite its fearsome feeding behavior, the cookiecutter shark is not typically a threat to humans. While it has been known to attack people
on rare occasions, these incidents are extremely rare and are generally attributed to cases of mistaken identity. Nevertheless, the cookiecutter
shark remains one of the most fascinating and mysterious creatures in the ocean, thanks to its unique biology and behavior as a parasitic species.

Prophylaxis Treatment
There is no specific prophylaxis or preventative measure for cookiecutter shark bites on humans as they are rare and not typically a direct
Cookiecutter shark bites on
threat to human health. However, individuals can reduce their risk of being bitten by avoiding swimming or diving in areas where cookiecutter
humans are rare and usually not
sharks are known to inhabit, such as warm tropical waters. Additionally, wearing protective gear such as wetsuits or dive skins can provide some severe, so basic first aid measures
physical barrier against potential bites. are sufficient. Medical attention may
For marine animals, measures to prevent cookiecutter shark bites may include avoiding areas where the sharks are known to inhabit or using be necessary in rare cases where the bite
protective barriers such as nets or cages to prevent their access to vulnerable animals. However, because cookiecutter sharks are highly mobile and is deep or complicated. Similarly, for
opportunistic predators, it can be difficult to prevent these bites entirely. marine animals, treatment may involve
Overall, while there is no specific prophylaxis for cookiecutter shark bites, individuals and organizations can take steps to reduce their risk and antibiotics and other supportive care.
minimize the impact of these fascinating and unique predators on vulnerable marine ecosystems.

Chirag Dhankhar 14496 / 20025569003 Submitted to Dr. Sudhida Gautam

 Epidemiology
The epidemiology of the cookiecutter shark as a parasitic species is not well understood due
to limited opportunities for observation in the wild. Studies have found that cookiecutter
shark bites are relatively common on a wide range of marine animals and can have
significant implications for the animals' overall health and survival. However, it is unclear
whether cookiecutter sharks are specific in their choice of hosts or whether they
opportunistically target any animal that swims within range. Ongoing research seeks to
better understand the behavior and impact of these fascinating creatures in the open
ocean.

How they Hunt ?

The cookiecutter shark is a small, deep-sea shark that cannot easily catch its prey by swimming up to it. To overcome this challenge,
the cookiecutter has developed a unique way of hunting that involves using its bioluminescent belly to lure unsuspecting prey close
to its dangerous teeth. The belly emits a green glow that blends in with the sun and moonlight filtering down from the surface of the
water. This makes the rest of the shark's body appear as small, easy prey to predators swimming below.
When potential prey swim up to investigate the glowing belly, the cookiecutter shark uses its maneuverability and powerful jaws to
take a round plug of flesh from its victim. This allows the shark to get a meal without risking being eaten itself. The shark's
specialized teeth are designed to remove a round, cookie-shaped piece of flesh, which is how the shark got its name.
This unique hunting strategy is just one of the many fascinating adaptations of the cookiecutter shark. Despite its small size, the
shark is a formidable predator that can take chunks of flesh from much larger animals using its powerful jaws and specialized teeth.
Its bioluminescent belly is just one of the many remarkable features that make it a fascinating subject of study for marine biologists
and shark enthusiasts alike.

Do you know ? Do you know ? Do you know ?

This small shark has several
rows of tiny teeth in its The cookie-cutter shark uses
upper jaw, and just as many big "lips" to create powerful The disk of flesh that
big, sharp teeth in its lower suction against the skin of big
sharks and marine mammals.
the cookie-cutter shark
jaw. This strange dental set- bites from its victims is
up helps the cookie-cutter Once attached, the shark
slice flesh from the biggest sinks its lower teeth into the about the size of a
victim and spins around like a
creatures in the ocean.
can opener to cut out a scoop of ice cream.
perfect circle of flesh

The shark floats in the
water, camouflaging most of
its body with a green glow.
Only the fish's shadowed
neck is visible from below,
which attracts a dolphin.
The dolphin moves in to attack The cookie cutter quickly
its prey, but the shark twists slices a disk of flesh from the
and turns, grabbing a piece of dolphin's fin and swims away,
the dolphin's dorsal fin with its leaving the dolphin with an
jaws. The shark sinks its teeths open, bleeding wound that
and spins may attract other predators.