Marine Life Series: The Sharksucker

Mark H — Sat, 24 Mar 2007 19:14:02 -0600

To the ancient Romans, Marc Antony was an invincible leader who no mortal could defeat in battle. When his navy was beaten at the Battle of Actium his citizens had to invent a non-human explanation for his loss. They found the perfect foil in a strange fish that sticks to other animals, or boats, and hitches a ride.

This fish is called the Remora, or Sharksucker, and although most of you have probably not seen one in person, many will recognize it as the strange little fish that attaches itself to sharks, whales or sea turtles in those PBS or Discovery Channel nature programs.

Remoras are found in tropical seas throughout the world. They have a large suction cup, called a "sucking plate", on top of their heads. They use this amazing structure to attach to larger sea life.

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Marine Life Series: The Sharksucker