Remora

The Remora is instantly recognisable by the oval suction disc on top of its head, which it uses to hitch rides on sharks, rays, sea turtles, and even boats. It feeds on scraps and parasites from its host. Found throughout UAE waters.

Species Stats

Diet

Parasites on host, scraps from host meals, small crustaceans

Habitat

Open water, coastal areas — attached to large fish, rays, sharks, sea turtles

Local Name (Arabic)

السمك اللاصق

Fun Facts

• 1

  The suction disc is a modified dorsal fin — one of the most remarkable evolutionary adaptations in the ocean.

• 2

  Traditional Emirati fishermen once used trained remoras on lines to catch large sea turtles.

• 3

  Provides a cleaning service to its host by eating parasitic copepods and skin debris.

Found In