Slender Suckerfish
Phtheirichthys lineatus
- Group: Other
- Typical depth: 0–5 m
- Max size: 76 cm
- For divers: safe
- IUCN status: LC
A slim relative of the remora, this suckerfish rides the open ocean clamped to the body of a host, most often a barracuda but also sea turtles and other fishes. It clings with the ridged sucker on its head and sometimes lodges inside the gill chamber, going along for the ride rather than swimming on its own.
Taxonomy: Animalia › Chordata › Teleostei › Carangiformes › Echeneidae › Phtheirichthys
Species data via the World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS), AphiaID 126849.
FAQ
- How deep does the Slender Suckerfish live?
- The Slender Suckerfish (Phtheirichthys lineatus) is typically found at 0–5 m.
- Is the Slender Suckerfish dangerous to divers?
- The Slender Suckerfish is harmless to divers.
- How big does the Slender Suckerfish get?
- The Slender Suckerfish grows to about 76 cm.