Sharksucker

Overview

The Sharksucker (Echeneis naucrates) is the most abundant remora species found in warm, tropical, and subtropical waters worldwide. It is highly recognizable by the large, oval-shaped sucking disc on the top of its head, which is a highly modified first dorsal fin used to attach to various hosts.

Appearance

This species has a very slender, elongated body that can reach lengths of up to 110 cm. Its coloration is typically dark brownish-grey, characterized by a prominent dark longitudinal stripe running along the sides, often bordered by thin white lines. The sucking disc consists of 16 to 28 laminae, allowing the fish to securely hitchhike on larger marine animals. Its lower jaw extends noticeably further than the upper jaw, and its tail fin is generally black with a distinct white margin.

Biology & behavior

Sharksuckers are commensal, frequently attaching to sharks, rays, sea turtles, whales, dolphins, and even ships to save energy and gain protection. Unlike some other remoras, they are also commonly observed free-swimming in shallow inshore areas and around coral reefs. They are known to be curious and may follow or occasionally attempt to attach to human divers. While adults are typically associated with hosts, juveniles sometimes act as cleaners, servicing other reef fish. In some cultures, their strong attachment ability has historically been utilized as a traditional fishing aid.