Author: Linnaeus, 1758
Remora remora Linnaeus, 1758
Status in World Register of Marine Species:
Accepted name: Remora remora (Linnaeus, 1758) (updated 2009-06-25)
Diagnosis: gillrakers long, slender and numerous (28-37); dorsal finrays 21-27; anal finrays 20-24; pectoral finrays 25-32; disc laminae 16-20; head rather long, 26-29% and disc length 34-42% SL; small teeth in jaws and on vomer in villiform patch, sharply pointed and recurved slightly inward. Colour: head, trunk and fins usually uniform tan to brownish-black; some small specimens, less than 100 mm SL, tan with light fins or lighter outer areas, especially pectoral and pelvic fins. Size: largest specimen examined 618 mm SL.
Habitat: most often in warm, offshore waters; found on at least 12 shark species, attached to body or in gill chamber; parasitic copepods form an important part of diet. Food: no data. Reproduction: no data.
Distribution: western Mediterranean and Atlantic from North Sea southwards. Common in warmer parts of all oceans.
Eggs, larvae and young stages. Delsman, 1926, 118 (2979): 805 | Beebe, 1932, 13 (6): 121-132, fig. 32-37.
Otoliths (sagitta). No data.