Fin's Fish Guide
The Largetooth cookiecutter shark (Isistius plutodus) is a saltwater fish of the family Dalatiidae that grows up to 42 cm.
Description
The largetooth cookiecutter shark is a small deep-sea shark (Dalatiidae) from tropical and temperate oceans worldwide. The species grows to about 42 cm and has a cigar-shaped, brown body with light-producing organs and a ring of extremely large lower teeth. It attaches to much larger animals such as whales, tunas and sharks with its sucking lips and twists a round plug of flesh from their skin. By day it stays in deep water and rises at night. Attacks on humans are rare but possible; the bite leaves a round, deep wound.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Largetooth cookiecutter shark?
The Largetooth cookiecutter shark has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Ring of large lower teeth; cuts round plugs of flesh out of large animals
Where does the Largetooth cookiecutter shark live?
The Largetooth cookiecutter shark lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around open water. Worldwide (tropical/temperate)
How big does the Largetooth cookiecutter shark get?
The Largetooth cookiecutter shark grows to a maximum of about 42 cm. On average the species is around 25 cm.
Is the Largetooth cookiecutter shark dangerous to humans?
The Largetooth cookiecutter shark can bite, but is otherwise not dangerous to humans. Attacks are rare. For a bite (a characteristic round, scooped-out wound): rinse thoroughly with clean water, apply firm pressure to stop bleeding and cover with a sterile dressing. Because of its depth and infection risk, always have it assessed medically and check tetanus status.
Is the Largetooth cookiecutter shark edible?
The Largetooth cookiecutter shark is not usually eaten.
More photos
Want the complete picture on the Largetooth cookiecutter shark?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Largetooth cookiecutter shark is one of 12,519 species in the app.
All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Isistius
More from the family Dalatiidae
Want the complete picture on the Largetooth cookiecutter shark?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Largetooth cookiecutter shark is one of 12,519 species in the app.