Cookiecutter Sharks: Deep-Sea Glow and Circular Bites

Chris and Angie explore Cookiecutter Sharks, small deep-sea predators that use suction, sharp teeth, and a twisting bite to leave neat circular wounds on much larger animals.

They discuss their strange appearance, warm-water range, nightly migrations, and glow-in-the-dark underside, which may help them hide or attract prey. The episode also looks at reproduction, rare reported human bites, and why these little-known sharks are so difficult to study. Finally, they place the species in the wider context of shark conservation, including the ongoing impacts of shark finning.

Be sure to monitor National Geographics Museum of Exploration Website for our upcoming live even on Sunday October 11, 2026 HERE

Timeline

00:00 Meet the Cookiecutter Shark

01:35 Wild Traits and Parasitic Feeding

03:32 Ocean Tangent Sand Dollars

05:05 Alien Looks Size and Anatomy

09:39 Range Habitat and Midnight Zone

11:58 Do They Bite Humans

17:07 Night Snorkel Manta Rays Story

22:11 Why This Shark Matters