Remoras, sharksuckers, suckerfishes and discfishes are the common names for the members of the Echeneidae family. The family members are characterized by having a sucker disc on their head.
Members of the Echeneidae are found in Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific oceans. There are 3 genera and 8 species worldwide. They often attach themselves with their sucker disc to marine vertebrates and objects that have a large enough surface for them to stick on. These include sharks, rays, barracudas, sailfishes, marlins, swordfishes, jacks, groupers, tarpons, sea turtles, whales, dolphins, ship and floating objects. They act as parasite cleaners on their hosts and also feed on host leftovers food.
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Scientific Name: Echeneis naucrates Linnaeus, 1758 English Name: Live Sharksucker Mandarin Name: 长印鱼 ( Zhǎng yìn yú ) Local Malay Name: Ikan Selipar, Gedemi, Tapak Kasut Main Diagnostic Features: Body very elongated and disc with 21 to 28 laminae. Shape of caudal fin changing with age. Size: Maximum standard length about 1 m.      |