Fin's Fish Guide
The Grey marlinsucker (Remora brachyptera) is a saltwater fish of the family Echeneidae that grows up to 50 cm.
Worldwide in warm oceans, hitching a ride on sailfishes, swordfishes and sometimes sharks.
Description
The spearfish remora is a remora (family Echeneidae) occurring worldwide in warm oceans. The species reaches about 50 cm and has an elongate body with an oval sucking disc on the head, a modified dorsal fin with which it attaches to larger animals. It lives almost exclusively on the body and in the gill chamber of billfishes and swordfishes, and sometimes in the mouth or gills of sharks. In this way it hitches a ride and feeds on skin parasites and food scraps from its host. The species is harmless to humans and of no fishery value.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Grey marlinsucker?
The Grey marlinsucker has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Attaches itself with a sucking disc on the head to swordfish and sailfish; almost always found on a host.
Where does the Grey marlinsucker live?
The Grey marlinsucker lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around open water. Worldwide in warm oceans, hitching a ride on sailfishes, swordfishes and sometimes sharks.
How big does the Grey marlinsucker get?
The Grey marlinsucker grows to a maximum of about 50 cm. On average the species is around 25 cm.
Is the Grey marlinsucker dangerous to humans?
No, the Grey marlinsucker is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Grey marlinsucker edible?
The Grey marlinsucker is not usually eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Grey marlinsucker and live in the same waters.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Remora
More from the family Echeneidae
Want the complete picture on the Grey marlinsucker?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Grey marlinsucker is one of 12,519 species in the app.