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Remora has a kind of sucker that can make it stick to large fish such as sharks. Photo: Getty Images
JAKARTA – Have you ever seen lots of fish attached to sharks or other large marine animals? Remora fish is the answer.
Remora fish or by another name Echeneidae is a type of sucking fish that belongs to the order Carangiformes. In everyday language, Remora is also commonly referred to as Suckerfish or Sharksucker because of its habit of attaching itself to sharks.
Not only sharks, Remora also attaches to stingrays, whales, turtles, ships and even divers. With a sucker on its head, the Remora can easily attach to and follow its desired host.
Remora sticks closely to these animals because it aims to take the remains of their food.
The following are 7 unique facts about the remora, a fish that always sticks closely to sharks, summarized from the Facts.net page:
1. Has some kind of suction device on the head
Remora has a head with a sucking disc that makes it easier to attach to the desired host. With this suction device, Remora can keep his body attached.
2. Slim body shape
With their streamlined bodies, Remoras can swim easily following their hosts, reducing drag and maximizing their efficiency.
3. Sharp sense of smell
Remora has a keen sense of smell. That way, Remora can find a host to follow. Apart from that, their sharp sense of smell also helps Remora guide their journey in the vast ocean.
4. Reproduce by releasing eggs in water
In terms of reproduction, Remora has a unique way, namely by releasing its eggs in the water. Then they undergo fertilization and develop into larvae before finding a host.
5. The largest Remora species can grow up to three feet long
Remora can grow up to three feet long, and weigh 11 kg. This makes the Remora one of the largest passenger fish in the ocean.
6. Previously used as a natural medicine for skin diseases
Some cultures in ancient times believed that applying Remora to the skin could cure several skin conditions.
7. Found in tropical seas and temperate seas
Remora can be found in various oceans in the world, such as the Atlantic Ocean, Pacific Ocean and Indian Ocean.
MG/Miracle Tania
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