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Echeneidae

File:Remora_remora.jpg · Wikimedia Commons · See Wikimedia Commons

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Echeneidae

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Also known as remora

The remora (), sometimes called suckerfish or sharksucker, is any of a family (Echeneidae) of ray-finned fish in the order Carangiformes. Depending on species, they grow to long. 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. The disk is made up of stout, flexible membranes that can be raised and lowered to generate suction. By sliding backward, the remora can increase the suction, or it can release itself by swimming forward.

AI overview

Echeneidae is a family of fish commonly known as remoras or suckerfish, characterized by a specialized sucker-like organ on their heads that allows them to attach firmly to larger marine animals. These ray-finned fish are notable for their unique adaptation, which they use by creating suction through movable slat-like structures and flexible membranes that can be controlled to attach or release themselves from their hosts.

AI-generated from the Wikipedia summary — may contain errors.

Species

remoras

Echeneidae

FAMILY

  1. KingdomAnimalia
  2. PhylumChordata
  3. ClassTeleostei
  4. OrderPerciformes
  5. FamilyEcheneidae
Habitatmarine, brackish
Observations recorded71,285

via GBIF

Wikidata facts

Image
Echeneis naucrates.jpg
Show 3 more facts
Commons category
Echeneidae
taxon name
Echeneidae
taxon common name
sugefiskfamilien
Sources (2)

via Wikidata · CC0

~7 min read

Article

10 sections
Contents
  • Evolution
  • Characteristics
  • Habitat
  • Physiology
  • Use for fishing
  • In human culture
  • Gallery
  • See also
  • References
  • External links

The remora (), sometimes called suckerfish or sharksucker, is any of a family (Echeneidae) of ray-finned fish in the order Carangiformes. Depending on species, they grow to long. 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. The disk is made up of stout, flexible membranes that can be raised and lowered to generate suction. By sliding backward, the remora can increase the suction, or it can release itself by swimming forward. Remoras sometimes attach to small boats, and have been observed attaching to divers as well. They swim well on their own, with a sinuous, or curved, motion.

== Evolution == left|thumb|Fossil specimen of Opisthomyzon Remoras are thought to be most closely related to the cobia and the dolphinfish, two other elongate members of the suborder Carangoidei. Together, they are thought to comprise the superfamily Echeneoidea. In some treatments, the Echeneoidea is instead restricted to just the remoras and Opisthomyzon.

Gallery (8)

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