What is the remora hitching a ride on shark.?

Remoras, also known as suckerfish, are marine fish belonging to the family Echeneidae. They are known for their ability to attach themselves to larger marine animals, such as sharks, rays, and even large bony fish, using a specialized suction disc on the top of their heads. This behavior allows remoras to travel long distances and conserve energy by being pulled through the water by their host.

However, remoras do not cause any harm to the host animals and do not feed on them. Instead, they feed on scraps of food, parasites, and other small organisms found in the water around their host. Remoras can attach and detach themselves quickly and easily, and they may move between different hosts throughout their lives.

The remora's suction disc is a complex and powerful structure, which allows these fish to attach themselves firmly to their host. It is made up of a series of modified dorsal fin rays that have evolved to form a suction cup-like structure. The remora's disc can withstand strong water currents and allows them to attach to smooth or rough surfaces.

Remoras have a long and fascinating relationship with larger marine animals. They have been observed hitching rides on a wide range of species, including sharks, whales, dolphins, and even sea turtles. Their behavior is believed to be beneficial for both the host animals and the remoras themselves, as they provide cleaning and protection services in return for transportation and food opportunities.