Did you know the cookiecutter shark is a parasite? It feeds off of larger animals without killing them — but definitely leaves a mark!
Cookiecutter sharks are a relatively small shark species, only growing up to around 22 inches long. They are an open ocean species where they undertake daily vertical migrations, spending their days in deep waters likely below 914 meters (3,000 feet) and rising to shallow waters at night to feed.
The cookiecutter shark′s large jaw and prominent bottom teeth are not only their most distinctive features but instrumental in their unique way of feeding. They attract prey using luminous spots on their bellies — which look similar to a small fish from below. When a larger animal approaches, the cookiecutter shark bites the larger animal, latching and spinning to remove a perfectly round piece of flesh from their prey.