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Common remora

Common remora

Remora remora

ActinopterygiiListed as Least Concern…

Taxonomy

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Actinopterygii
Order
Perciformes
Family
Echeneidae
Genus
Remora
Species
remora

Habitat

Common remoras inhabit warm tropical and subtropical oceans worldwide, often in pelagic environments. They are commonly found attached to larger marine animals like sharks, rays, and whales, preferring open waters but occasionally near coastal areas.

Diet

Common remoras primarily feed on parasites, dead skin, and food scraps from their host animals, such as sharks and large fish. They also consume small fish, squid, and plankton when detached. Feeding occurs opportunistically, often while attached to hosts.

Behavior

Common remoras are known for attaching to larger marine animals using their suction disc to hitch rides and access food, making them highly mobile and dependent on hosts. They are generally solitary but may form loose associations with other remoras. They exhibit minimal territorial behavior and are active swimmers, detaching to feed or evade threats.

Conservation Status

Listed as Least Concern by IUCN.