Striped Remora

As the upper photo shows the animal also attaches itself to ships. This behaviour is the origin of the German name “Schiffshalter” (meaning “stopper of the ships”). Usually however, the species prefers large sharks and rays, such as manta rays. Occasionally, the species can be seen free-swimming in pairs. It is easy to recognise by its colour pattern

Western Mediterranean Sea. In the eastern Mediterranean Sea as an immigrantfrom the Red sea. Widespread in the tropical and subtropical Atlantic.

Near the surface, attached to large sharks, rays or ships; depth depends on its host.