Remora facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Remora |
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| Spearfish remora, Remora brachyptera | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | |
| Phylum: | |
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| Order: | |
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Percoidei
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| Superfamily: |
Percoidea
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| Family: |
Echeneidae
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| Genera | |
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Echeneis |
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| Synonyms | |
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Echeneididae |
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A remora is a fascinating type of fish, sometimes called a suckerfish or sharksucker. These fish are usually long and brown. They belong to a family of fish called Echeneidae. Remoras are known for their special way of traveling and finding food.
Remoras are famous for having a unique, flat, oval-shaped organ on top of their heads. This organ works like a powerful suction cup! They use it to attach themselves to larger ocean animals. They often stick to sharks, but they can also attach to whales, turtles, manta rays, and even boats.
Contents
How Remoras Attach
The special suction cup on a remora's head is actually a modified dorsal fin. It has many movable plates that create a strong vacuum. This lets the remora hold on tightly without hurting its host. They can even slide around on the host's body without letting go.
Why They Attach
Remoras attach to larger animals for several reasons. One main reason is to get a free ride! This helps them save energy because they don't have to swim as much. It also helps them travel long distances across the ocean.
Another important reason is for food. When a shark or whale eats, small bits of food often float away. Remoras quickly grab these leftovers. They also eat tiny parasites that live on the skin of their hosts. This helps keep the larger animal clean and healthy.
A Special Relationship
The way remoras live with other animals is a type of relationship called commensalism. In commensalism, one animal benefits, and the other animal is not really helped or harmed. For remoras, they get food, protection, and a ride. The larger animal, like a shark, doesn't usually get much benefit, but it also isn't hurt by the remora. Sometimes, the shark might even benefit from the remora eating its parasites.
Where Remoras Live
Remoras are found in warm, tropical, and subtropical waters around the world. They live in the open ocean, always looking for a large host to attach to. Different species of remoras might prefer different types of hosts. For example, some remoras are more commonly found with sharks, while others might prefer whales.
Different Kinds of Remoras
There are several different species of remoras, all belonging to the family Echeneidae. They vary in size, but most are between 30 to 90 centimeters (1 to 3 feet) long.
- The common remora (Remora remora) is one of the most well-known species.
- The live sharksucker (Echeneis naucrates) is another common type, often seen with sharks.
- The spearfish remora (Remora brachyptera) is smaller and often attaches to swordfish or marlin.
Each species has adapted slightly to its preferred host or environment.
Images for kids
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Some remoras, such as this Echeneis naucrates, may attach themselves to scuba divers.
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Live sharksucker, Echeneis naucrates
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Common remora, Remora remora
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Nurse shark with remoras attending
See also
In Spanish: Rémora para niños
