Fin's Fish Guide
The Pilot (Naucrates ductor) is a saltwater fish of the family Carangidae that grows up to 70 cm.
Circumtropical in all oceans; an oceanic species that often occurs far from the coast.
Description
The pilotfish is a streamlined oceanic fish of the family Carangidae reaching about 70 cm. The body is bluish with six to seven broad dark cross-bars and white tips on the tail and fin lobes. The species is known for its remarkable behaviour: it travels in a semi-obligate commensal relationship with sharks, rays, large fish and sea turtles, feeding on their food scraps, parasites and excrement, supplemented with small fish and invertebrates. The pilotfish occurs circumtropically in all oceans, often far from the coast. Juveniles shelter among jellyfish and drifting seaweed until large enough to associate with bigger hosts.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Pilot?
The Pilot has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly blue and shows a vertical stripes pattern. Blue, banded ocean fish that travels along with sharks, rays and sea turtles in a fixed companion relationship and feeds on their food scraps and parasites.
Where does the Pilot live?
The Pilot lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Circumtropical in all oceans; an oceanic species that often occurs far from the coast.
How big does the Pilot get?
The Pilot grows to a maximum of about 70 cm. On average the species is around 40 cm.
Is the Pilot dangerous to humans?
No, the Pilot is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Pilot edible?
The Pilot is rarely eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Pilot and live in the same waters.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
More from the family Carangidae
Want the complete picture on the Pilot?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Pilot is one of 12,519 species in the app.