Fin's Fish Guide
The White suckerfish (Remora albescens) is a saltwater fish of the family Echeneidae that grows up to 30 cm.
Description
The white suckerfish is a small remora occurring worldwide in tropical seas. The species grows to about 30 cm and has a slender, pale body with an oval sucking disc on the head, formed from the modified first dorsal fin. With it it attaches mainly to mantas and large rays, and to sharks, and hitches a ride; it often stays in the gill or mouth cavity of the host. It eats parasites and food scraps of the host. The fish is harmless to humans and is assessed as Least Concern (LC) by the IUCN.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the White suckerfish?
The White suckerfish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly white and shows a plain pattern. Sucker disc on the head; hitches rides with mantas, rays and sharks
Where does the White suckerfish live?
The White suckerfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around open water. Worldwide (tropical)
How big does the White suckerfish get?
The White suckerfish grows to a maximum of about 30 cm.
Is the White suckerfish dangerous to humans?
No, the White suckerfish is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.
Is the White suckerfish edible?
The White suckerfish is not usually eaten.
More photos
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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 White suckerfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the White suckerfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.