The Common Remora (Remora remora), also known as Suckerfish, Shark-Sucker, and Common Sucker, is a fascinating pelagic marine fish found in the warm waters of the Western Mediterranean, including around Malta and Gozo. These unique fish are known for their remarkable ability to attach themselves to larger marine animals and even boats, adding to the rich marine biodiversity of the region.
Scientific Name: Remora remora
Common Names: Suckerfish, Shark-Sucker, Common Sucker
Family: Echeneidae, Order: Carangiformes
Class: Actinopterygii, Phylum: Chordata
The name “remora” comes from the Latin word for “delay,” while the family name “Echeneis” is derived from the Greek words for “to hold” (echein) and “a ship” (naus). These names highlight the ancient belief that remoras could slow down ships by attaching to them.
Remora remora’s body can vary in color from brown to black or grey. These fish can reach up to 86.4 centimeters in length, although most do not exceed 40 cm. They can weigh up to 1.1 kg. The lower jaw of the remora projects beyond the upper, and they lack a swim bladder. Despite this, they swim well with a sinuous motion.
The most distinctive feature of the Common Remora is its sucker-like dorsal fin. This fin is modified into an oval, suction cup-like organ with slat-like structures that can open and close. These structures allow the remora to create a vacuum and firmly attach itself to a host. By sliding backward, the remora can increase the suction, or release itself by swimming forward.
Remoras are typically found clinging to larger marine animals such as whales, turtles, sharks, and rays. They have also been known to attach to small boats and even divers. This attachment is facilitated by their unique dorsal fin, which has evolved to function as a suction cup.
The relationship between the Common Remora and its host is symbiotic. The remora benefits from the host by receiving transportation, protection, and a steady flow of food, which includes the host’s parasites and feces. The host benefits from the remora by having some of its parasites removed. However, the remora does increase the host’s hydrodynamical drag. Remoras can remain attached to a single host for up to three months, moving their attachment site if threatened. They cannot survive in still water and rely on the water flow over their gills to provide oxygen.
In ancient times, remoras were believed to have the power to stop ships from sailing. The Roman naturalist Pliny the Elder even attributed the defeat of Mark Antony at the Battle of Actium and the death of Caligula to the influence of remoras. This belief is reflected in the name “remora,” which means “delay” in Latin.
Diving with Remora fish in Malta offers a unique and fascinating experience. These fish are often seen clinging to larger marine animals or swimming independently with their distinctive sucker-like dorsal fin. Divers may encounter them at various dive sites around Malta and Gozo, adding an element of intrigue to underwater explorations.
One such dive site is Xlendi Reef on Gozo’s west coast, where remoras have been observed at depths of around 10 meters. Their presence adds to the rich marine life that makes diving in Malta and Gozo a captivating adventure for both novice and experienced divers alike.
