What's More Dangerous Than a Great White Shark?

Cookie Cutter Shark

According to an article in Shark Year Magazine,  a study by the University of Florida shows that small cookiecutter shark feeds on flesh of great white.

While diving at Guadalupe Island we have observed, not only Great White Sharks with  Cookie Cutter bites, but also Elephant Seals and Beaked Whales. 

The way this little shark gets away with biting much larger animals is very unique. They produce bio luminescence, (living light) to attract predators at night. When the much larger predators come near the Cookie Cutter Shark, it takes a bite out of them. 

Unlike most predators, Cookie Cutter Sharks don't kill their prey, they just take a bite or two. I guess their feeding habits make for a sustainable food supply.

It just goes to show that even the feared Great White Shark is not immune from predators, and that size doesn't always matter. 

There is so much we don't know about the oceans and the creatures that live in it. Humans entering the water tend to be afraid of the unknown and that's why it's important that we keep researching and discovering the secrets the oceans hold. 

Seal with Cookie Cutter Shark bites

When it comes to making beaches safer for the public, hopefully a greater understanding will lead to policies and actions that are based on facts and knowledge instead of irrational fear.

The lead researcher for this study is Dr. Maurico Hoyos-Padilla, the main shark researcher at Guadalupe Island a man I have known for 10 years and am proud to call a friend. 

Way to go Dr. Mau!

Cheers,

Martin Graf
Managing Director 
Shark Diver

About Shark Diver. As a global leader in commercial shark diving and conservation initiatives Shark Diver has spent the past decade engaged for sharks around the world. Our blog highlights all aspects of both of these dynamic and shifting worlds. You can reach us directly at sharkcrew@gmail.com.

Cookie Cutter Shark Attack!

About Shark Diver. As a global leader in commercial shark diving and conservation initiatives Shark Diver has spent the past decade engaged for sharks around the world. Our blog highlights all aspects of both of these dynamic and shifting worlds. You can reach us directly at sharkcrew@gmail.com.

Cookie Cutter Shark Attack!

One of the strangest man vs shark encounters took place on a recent moonless night in the Alenuihaha Channel, Hawaii.

Swimmer Mike Spalding was attacked by this unlikely shark, known for taking "quarter sized bites" from it's victims and ending his long distance swim attempt.

This critter is known as the Cookie Cutter Shark and no this blog post is not an Underwater Onion.

As a shark diving operators we see many Elephant Seals at Isla Guadalupe with round bites all over them - but as far as we know humans are rarely ever on the menu.

Kudos to shark attack blog (yes one exists) Swim at Your Own Risk for the in depth coverage.

Critters You Never Want to Bathe With...

Out of Boston this morning a critter story about one of the most disgusting animals you could ever not hope to encounter. The Sea Lamprey.

We have encountered these critters on the Pacific coast fly fishing for Salmon and can testify to their absolute and unredeemed "ick factor".

Turns out they are once again making news-this time in Lake Champlain. Before you all start screaming "It's da global warming!" read the article:

BURLINGTON, Vt. -The ancient creature attaches itself to the body of its prey with the rasp-like teeth lining its jawless maw, punctures the skin with its chisel of a tongue, and then slowly sucks out the victim's blood.

Editors Note: To keep this sharky-there's a deep water critter called the Cookie Cutter shark that feeds by taking small circular chunks 'o flesh from it's victims. While not as gruesome as the Lamprey Eel, it's something to take notice of.