When discussing the richness and diversity of underwater creatures, it will never end. Yes, as we know that fish and marine organisms depend on each other to survive. This interdependence also occurs in marine creatures, namely between sharks and remora fish. In this article, we will discuss the classification and morphology of remora fish, the shark's little friend. The remora fish or in English known as 'Suckerfish', is a species of fish from the Echeneidae family. Mythology in ancient times stated that the remora fish was believed to be able to stop a ship from sailing. In Latin itself, 'remora' means 'delay' (to delay), while the genus 'Echeneis' comes from the Greek which means 'to hold a ship' (to hold a ship).
The uniqueness of this fish is that it has a sucker to attach to the body of a mammal or fish that is relatively larger than its body, such as sharks, manta rays, whales, turtles, and even on the hulls of ships in tropical waters. These fish like to swim near the bodies of larger mammals or fish, and they will explore wherever they go. The remora fish lives in warm waters. There are 5 species of remora fish that exist worldwide, including Remora albescens (White suckerfish), Remora australis (Whale sucker), Remora brachyptera (Spearfish remora), Remora osteochir (Marlin sucker), Remora remora (Shark sucker). The dominant type of Remora fish in Indonesian waters is the Remora remora species. Its current conservation status is 'least concern' (quoted from the iucnredlist.org page). This fish has a maximum body length of 62 cm (standard length), but is also reported to have a body length of 86 cm (total length). Generally, remora fish prefer sharks as their hosts because sharks tend to swim slowly so they are easy to follow.
The remora fish is not a parasitic fish. They always stick to sharks to keep them safe because predatory fish are afraid of sharks, besides that these fish will also find it easier to get food from shark food leftovers. Sharks themselves are neither benefited nor harmed by the presence of remora fish. This interaction pattern is known as commensalism symbiosis. The dorsal fin or dorsal fin of remora fish is oval in shape. Suction organ structures such as canals (channels) that are open and capable of sucking the skin of larger marine animals. The sucking disc in remora fish grows on top of its head and the disc looks like a sole under a shoe.
The remora fish is not a parasitic fish. They always stick to sharks to keep them safe because predatory fish are afraid of sharks, besides that these fish will also find it easier to get food from shark food leftovers. Sharks themselves are neither benefited nor harmed by the presence of remora fish. This interaction pattern is known as commensalism symbiosis. The dorsal fin or dorsal fin of remora fish is oval in shape. Suction organ structures such as canals (channels) that are open and capable of sucking the skin of larger marine animals. The sucking disc in remora fish grows on top of its head and the disc looks like a sole under a shoe.
Therefore, it is very important to carry out conservation efforts through various strategies that can make all parties, communities and stakeholders aware of how important the presence of sharks is in maintaining the balance of marine ecosystems. By not overexploiting sharks, it will not only save one shark but will also save thousands of shark friends in the ocean, for example this little remora fish.