Echeneidae

A Dictionary of Zoology | 1999 | 528 words | Copyright

Echeneidae (remora; subclass Actinopterygii, order Perciformes) A family of marine fish that have a flat, disc-like structure on top of the head. Actually a highly modified spinous dorsal fin, this is used by the fish as a sucking disc; by means of it the remora attaches itself to the bodies of larger fish (e.g. sharks and marlins). In the past, fishermen reputedly used remoras with lines fastened to their tails in order to catch turtles and large fish. One of the larger species, Remora remora, may reach a length of 90 cm.

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MICHAEL ALLABY. "Echeneidae." A Dictionary of Zoology. 1999. Encyclopedia.com. 10 Feb. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

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MICHAEL ALLABY. "Echeneidae." A Dictionary of Zoology. 1999. Retrieved February 10, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O8-Echeneidae.html

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