#common remora

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Remora remora...

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🐠 Daily Fish Fact: 🐠

The Common Remora and its host seem to partake in a symbiotic relationship; it does not seem to have a negative overall effect on its host. The host provides the remora with fast-moving water to bathe its gills, a steady flow of food, transportation, and protection. The remora benefits the host by feeding in part on some of its parasites. The common remora's attachment to one host can last for up to three months. During this time, the remora can move its attachment site if it feels threatened.

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Animal of the Day!

Common Remora (Remora remora)

(Photo by Stacy Taylor)

Conservation Status- Least Concern

Habitat- Mediterranean; Atlantic Ocean; North Sea

Size (Weight/Length)- 90 cm

Diet- Plankton; Parasitic Crustaceans

Cool Facts- Contrary to popular belief, the common remora does not use its mouth to attach to the underside of sharks and whales. Instead, they have a suction cup on the top of their head that they use to harmlessly hitch a ride. The relationship between the remora and its host is a beneficial one to both parties. The remora will remove parasites from the skin of their host and the host provides transportation and protection for the remora. Certain species of shark are known to chase predators off from threatening their remora.

Rating- 12/10 (Helpful parasite.)

Animtober- Vessel (Uses other, larger animals to survive.)

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Common remora (Remora remora)

The common remora is a pelagic marine fish belonging to family Echeneidae. The common remora is different from other remoras in the family Echeneidae by the modification of its dorsal fin. The dorsal fin, which has 22 to 26 soft rays, acts as a suction cup, creating a vacuum to allow it to attach to larger marine animals, such as whales, dolphins, sharks, and sea turtles. This species can reach 86.4 cm (34.0 in) in total length, though most do not exceed 40 cm (16 in). This species does not seem to have a negative effect on its host. The host provides the remora with fast-moving water to bathe its gills, a steady flow of food, transportation, and protection. The common remora's attachment to one host can last for up to three months. During this time, the remora can move its attachment site if it feels threatened. The common remora cannot survive in still water; it needs water flow over its gills to provide it oxygen. This remora is commonly found in warm marine waters and have been seen in the western Mediterranean and the Atlantic, as well as the North Sea.

photo credits: rling, hypescience, richard ling, divebums