Remora, also known as sharksucker or suckerfish, is any of eight species of marine fishes in the family Echeneidae and is known for attaching to and riding on sharks, other large marine animals, and ocean-going ships. Remoras are thin, elongated, dark-colored fish that reside in tropical and subtropical oceans and seas. They range in size from 30 to 90 cm, depending on the species. Remoras feed on the leftovers of their hosts’ meals or, in some cases; function as cleaners by consuming their transporters’ external parasites. Let us dive in deeper and learn about the remoras and sharks relationship.
1. Why do Remoras Attach Themselves? Why do Remoras Attach Themselves to Sharks?
Remoras are regarded as the ocean’s hitchhikers since they spend most of their life physically clinging to hosts such as whales, sharks, sea turtles, and enormous fish. The remoras attach themselves to the shark or other species so that they can travel between different parts of the ocean by floating with the shark. This allows the remora fish to move without using energy, and they also get to consume food scraps that the shark drops. (Also read How to Evade a Shark Attack?)
2. Is Remora an Example of Commensalism?
A relationship between individuals of two species in which one is dependent upon the other for habitat and nutrition while they may or may not hurt or benefit the other. The species that benefit is known as the commensal, and the species that help is known as the host. The interaction of host and commensal is typically unaffected, but commensals are known to provide morphological benefits. The little fish remora, which rides on to sharks and other fish while eating the leftovers of its hosts, therefore is an example of commensalism.
3. Is Remora Commensalism or Mutualism?
Are you curious to know if remora is an example of commensalism or mutualism? Remora is mutualism because both the shark and the remora benefit from one another. After all, the remora fish swim next to the shark, occasionally attached to the body. The remoras on the way eat fragments of food dropped by the sharks and get some shelter from predators. The shark benefits because the remora gets rid of parasites on its skin as well as within its mouth.
4. What is the Relationship between Sharks and Remoras? What is Remoras and Sharks Relationship?
Relationships arise all over the animal kingdom, and occasionally they form among the most unlikely of species for food, shelter, and so on. In the biological world, a Mutualism or symbiotic relationship benefits both species. An example of symbiosis is the remoras and sharks relationship. The remora is a small fish with a suction cup on the top of its head. This organ allows the remora to adhere to a passing shark, generally on the shark’s belly or underside, although they can also connect to whales, manta rays, and the occasional diver.
Both species benefit from the remoras and sharks relationship because remoras eat remnants of prey dropped by the shark or parasites on the shark’s skin and in its mouth, which keeps the shark pleased. After all, the parasites would otherwise annoy the shark.
The remora receives more than just a convenient food source; sharks defend them from predators and provide free transportation around the ocean, while remoras keep the waters around the shark clear of scraps, preventing the growth of unhealthy microorganisms near the shark. In the instance of remoras and sharks relationship, both benefit from one another in some way, and it is their mutual collaboration that allows both of them to live peacefully. As a result, the remora benefits in a variety of ways, as does the shark.
5. What Type of Interaction is Remora Fish and Shark?
There are various kinds of relationships in the environment between species, where one or both rely on the other for food, shelter, etc. When it comes to the type of interaction between remora fish and sharks, they benefit in certain ways from one another, and this mutual coordination between them helps both of them in living comfortably. The relationship between two creatures where both organisms benefit from one another is known as mutualism. (See What Animal is the King or Queen of the Ocean?)
6. Does Remora Harm the Shark?
Remora is dependent on sharks for feeding and movement because it has a sucking mouth that allows it to attach itself to the shark. However, unlike sea lamprey, it does not harm the shark; rather, it benefits the shark by consuming parasites that live on sharks and leftovers of food.
7. Will Remora Attach to Human?
Remoras, while not the smartest of organisms, appear to attach to practically anything huge and moving, as remoras have been known to attach to a diver’s tank or body even onto the stomachs or legs of scuba divers however as long as the remora sticks to you if you are covered by a wetsuit, the remora causes no harm while still not known to hurt or injure divers, they can be unpleasant at times especially giant remoras as their suction can be very powerful. See How Long can a Starfish Live?
8. What Happens if a Remora Sticks to You?
Attached remoras can be unpleasant to divers. Although remoras are not the sharpest of creatures, they appear to stick to everything large and moving. Remoras have been observed to attach to a diver’s tank or body, however as long as the diver is wearing a wetsuit, the remora is harmless. A remora that clings directly to the skin of a diver, on the other hand, may cause a scrape. A remora can normally be scared away by directing an alternate air source into its face, or if the remora sticks to you, it can be removed by moving them forward.
9. Why do Fish always Swim Next to Sharks?
Little fish swim around and beside sharks in the ocean. While this may seem absurd given that sharks are fierce and huge animals, the truth is that sharks do not possess the same speed or mobility as small fish. As a result, sharks find it difficult to catch small fish, and they persist to swim around them. Swimming with sharks is dangerous for any ordinary marine organism, yet small fish can do so because sharks are generally sloppy eaters, consequently, small fish swim with sharks to get nutrients from them.
Small fishes eat on leftovers and parasites that surround the shark, helping to keep the water clean while also cleaning the shark’s teeth. Sharks, in turn, protect them from predators, which is beneficial to both species. According to research on the remoras and sharks relationship, many shark species recognize the importance of remoras to their survival and well-being. Some sharks’ behavior alters in the presence of remoras, as they have been recorded slowing down, even endangering their existence, to let remoras attach themselves. While most shark species value remoras, not all are satisfied with this symbiotic relationship.
For example, sandbar and lemon sharks have been observed acting aggressively and even ingesting beneficial remoras. Despite these uncommon occurrences, the remoras and sharks relationship is one of the most enduring in the ocean, and it is expected to last for the next million years. Also Read: What are the Types of Fish without Bones?
