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Cação luminoso

Isistius brasiliensis

Least Concern

About

The cigar shark, also known as the cookiecutter shark (Isistius brasiliensis), is a small but remarkable shark in the family Dalatiidae, found throughout warm oceanic waters worldwide in tropical and subtropical latitudes. Reaching only 40–50 centimeters in length, it possesses oversized jaws with large, triangular lower teeth arranged in a saw-like series that cut distinctive circular plugs of flesh from much larger prey—including tuna, dolphins, whales, billfish, and even submarine cables and human bodies. It does not kill its prey but instead latches on, rotates its body, and excises a characteristic cookie-cutter-shaped bite. The cigar shark is bioluminescent, emitting a green glow from photophores on its ventral surface that may serve as counter-illumination or to attract prey from below. It undertakes diel vertical migrations, ascending to shallower waters at night and descending to mesopelagic depths during the day. The species is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, with a vast oceanic distribution and no targeted commercial fishery. It is occasionally taken as bycatch. The geographic epithet brasiliensis refers to Brazil, where early specimens were described, but the species' range is circumglobal in warm oceans. The cookiecutter shark's feeding strategy is one of the most unusual among elasmobranchs.

Habitat & Distribution

Native to Asia and Europe and South America, inhabiting ecosystems characteristic of the region.

Distributed across Chile, Norway, and Taiwan.

Conservation Status

LC Least Concern

Full Taxonomy

Names in Other Languages

Japanese Darumazame
Spanish Tiburón cigarro
French Squalelet féroce
German Kleiner Leuchthai
Portuguese Cação luminoso
Arabic قِرش جُرح قُرص

Similar Species in Isistius

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the scientific name of Cação luminoso?
The scientific name of Cação luminoso is Isistius brasiliensis. It belongs to the genus Isistius.
What is the conservation status of Cação luminoso?
Cação luminoso (Isistius brasiliensis) is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN Red List.
Where does Cação luminoso live?
Cação luminoso is found in Distributed across Chile, Norway, and Taiwan.. Countries include Chile, Norway, Taiwan.
What family does Cação luminoso belong to?
Cação luminoso (Isistius brasiliensis) belongs to the genus Isistius, which is part of the taxonomic family Dalatiidae.
Is Cação luminoso endangered?
No, Cação luminoso (Isistius brasiliensis) is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, meaning it is not currently at significant risk of extinction.
What kingdom does Cação luminoso belong to?
Cação luminoso (Isistius brasiliensis) belongs to the kingdom Animalia (Animals).
What are the closest relatives of Cação luminoso?
The closest relatives of Cação luminoso in the genus Isistius include Largetooth cookie-cutter shark.

Native Range — 3 Countries

Genus Isistius — 2 Species

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Cação luminoso
Isistius brasiliensis
LC
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Largetooth cookie-cutter shark
Isistius plutodus
LC

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