Remora
Remoras, also known as suckerfish, are a family of fish (Echeneidae) that are known for their unique ability to attach themselves to larger marine animals, such as sharks, rays, turtles, and even whales. This unusual adaptation allows them to travel long distances, access food sources, and avoid predators.
Characteristics
Remoras have a distinctive flattened, oval-shaped body and a large, sucker-like disk on their heads. This disk, which is formed by modified dorsal fins, allows them to attach securely to their hosts. They have a streamlined body shape, which helps them to reduce drag while swimming. Remoras typically range in size from 10 to 100 cm (4 to 40 inches) in length, depending on the species.
Diet
Remoras are primarily scavengers, feeding on scraps of food that fall from their hosts or on parasites that they find on their hosts' bodies. Some species are also known to feed on small fish and invertebrates.
Environments
Remoras are found in tropical and subtropical waters worldwide. They are commonly found in open oceans, but they also inhabit coastal waters and estuaries.
Relationship with Hosts
The relationship between remoras and their hosts is often described as commensalism, meaning that one species benefits from the relationship while the other is neither harmed nor helped. The remoras benefit from the relationship by obtaining transportation, protection from predators, and access to food. Their hosts, on the other hand, do not seem to be significantly affected by the presence of remoras. However, some studies suggest that there may be a slight negative impact on the hosts' swimming efficiency.
Common Names
Remoras are commonly known by several names, including:
- Suckerfish
- Shark sucker
- Remora
- Shucker
References
For more information on remoras, visit the following websites: