Naucrates Rafinesque, 1810
Teeth in both jaws minute, in a broad band anteriorly, tapering posteriorly. Soft anal fin base distinctly shorter than soft dorsal fin base; pectoral fin about equal to or slightly shorter than pelvic fin. Spinous dorsal fin with 4 or 5 spines; no finlets in dorsal or anal fins. Caudal peduncle grooves present. Lateral line slightly to moderately arched above pectoral fins, becoming straight posteriorly; no scutes.
Habitat: primarily pelagic in oceanic waters; enjoys a semi-obligate commensal relationship with large sharks, rays and other fishes. Juveniles frequently found in association with seaweeds and jellyfish. Food: scraps of host's food and small fishes and invcrtebrates, possibly ectoparasites of host. Reproduction: see family.
Distribution: eastern Atlantic, northward to Bay of Biscay and as a rare vagrant off the British Isles, also the Azores and Madeira; Mediterranean. Elsewhere, African coast to southern Angola; nearly cosmopolitan in tropical seas.
Species 1.
Species of this genus in the program:
Naucrates ductor