The remora is a slender fish, family Echeneidae, best known for the flattened, ridged disc on top of its head, a modified dorsal fin that acts as a powerful suction pad. It uses this disc to attach itself to sharks, rays, sea turtles, and other large marine animals, hitching a ride and feeding on scraps left by its host or on parasites picked from the host's skin. The relationship is generally considered harmless to the host, making it a well known example of commensalism in the ocean.
Facts
Classification
System (Realm) Sources
1. Wikipedia: Remora
system (MediaWiki batch-API article extract states it plainly)Quote, system (MediaWiki batch-API article extract states it plainly)
Their distinctive first dorsal fins take the form of a modified oval, sucker-like organ with slat-like structures that open and close to create suction and take a firm hold against the skin of larger marine animals.
Reader Challenges (0)
No disputes yet. Spotted an error or a better source? Open the first one.
Sign in to dispute this or suggest a correction.