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Family Dalatiidae

HAWAII

Isistius brasiliensis

Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

 

 

Tuna belly bitten by Cookie-cutter

COOKIE-CUTTER SHARK

Common in warm seas worldwide.  Inhabits deep water during the day and migrates toward the surface at night to feed.  Teeth are arranged to create a circular cutting edge that removes ice-cream scoop-like plugs of flesh about 2 inches across from large animals.  Body is spindle-shaped, black, with small fins and large luminous eyes.  Attains 18 inches.