TIL: How Cookiecutter Sharks Eat Is Terrifying (Explained With Cookies)
Do not be fooled by its adorable name—the cookiecutter shark is the only parasitic shark in the animal kingdom. It lures its prey with glowing, bioluminescent photophores that mimic smaller fish. When animals like dolphins, whales, marlin, and tuna approach the glowing lights to attack, the cookiecutter shark springs into action. It turns around, suctions its lips onto the flesh of its victim, and spins, ejecting a cylindrical plug of flesh from its prey!
These characteristic wounds have been found on many different marine mammals and fish, and even a few humans. But don't worry—unless you find yourself in the deep ocean in the middle of the night, you will most likely never encounter one.
PRODUCER/EDITOR: Laurence Alexander
SERIES PRODUCER: Christopher Mattle
ASSOCIATE PRODUCER: Elaina Kimes
