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Jan 28, 2013

Remora or Suckerfish

Among many ocean creatures who perform cleaning services, one is the remora, or suckerfish. This bold fish travels with the shark, one of the most feared ocean predators. The remora has a large sucker on top of its head with which it attaches itself firmly to the shark. (Some remoras attach themselves to other large ocean creatures, even whales.) As the shark swims along, the remora travels all over its body removing debris. It gets food and protection - and an occasional feast. Sharks are messy eaters, and when the shark feeds, the remora detaches itself and gobbles up the leftover bits. (Adapted from Grolier Book of Knowledge Encyclopedia)