Remora Fish Use Whales for Travel

Remora fish are using whales as taxis to travel across the ocean. This is a new way scientists are seeing them move.
By Newsroom | Animals, Ocean |

Oceanographers have documented a peculiar mode of transport among marine life: the remora, a fish that attaches itself to larger creatures, including whales. This symbiotic relationship, where the remora essentially "hitchhikes" for long-distance travel, has been captured in rare footage showing the fish "whale-surfing." The remora utilizes a specialized suction cup on its head to adhere to its host.

The remora, also known as the sucker fish, spends its entire life aboard large marine mammals, using them as mobile platforms for feeding and reproduction as they traverse ocean expanses. This method offers a slick, if unconventional, way to navigate vast aquatic distances.

While the remora's presence is well-established, recent observations suggest these oceanic drifters might not always be welcome. One scientist noted that their footage indicated the whales appeared to find their hangers-on annoying. The remoras’ adherence is described as precise, with their reattachment to the host after dives likened to the skill of Olympic gymnasts.

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A Biological Curiosity

Remoras possess a unique physical adaptation: a disc-like suction cup situated on the top of their heads. This anatomical feature allows them to firmly attach themselves to their chosen ride. Unlike many fish, remoras do not possess a swim bladder, a common organ for buoyancy control. Their coloration is typically dark, ranging from brown to black.

The classification of remoras places them within a genetic lineage shared with several other fish groups. This biological classification highlights their distinct evolutionary path in developing their specialized lifestyle.

Context: The Crossword Puzzle Clue

The phenomenon of the remora's unique travel habits has also surfaced in the realm of recreational puzzles, appearing as a clue in crossword grids. Searches for "fish that hitches rides" have yielded REMORA as a likely answer, indicating a wider public awareness of this intriguing marine behavior. These puzzles sometimes offer related clues, such as "Place to hitch a ride?" or "Hitch-hiker's ride," further emphasizing the remora's passenger-like existence.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do remora fish travel long distances in the ocean?
Remora fish attach themselves to larger animals like whales using a special suction cup on their heads. This allows them to 'hitch a ride' across the ocean for feeding and reproduction.
Q: Do whales like having remora fish attached to them?
Some scientists think whales might find the remora fish annoying. Footage shows the whales might not always welcome their passengers.
Q: What makes remora fish special?
Remora fish have a unique suction cup on their heads to stick to other animals. They also do not have a swim bladder, which helps fish with floating.
Q: Where else have remora fish been mentioned?
The way remora fish travel has appeared in crossword puzzles as a clue, showing that people are interested in this unique animal behavior.