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Remoras and sharks have a symbiotic relationship where remoras attach themselves to the shark's body using a suction disc. Remoras benefit by feeding on the shark's leftovers, while also gaining protection and transportation from the shark. In return, the shark is not significantly affected by the presence of the remoras.
Remora actually just uses the shark as a transport vehicle. Also the remoras will eat any nutrients the shark drops. So sharks and remoras don't exactly live together.
The type of symbiosis between sharks and remoras is commensalism. Remoras attach themselves to sharks using a sucker-like organ, gaining protection and access to food scraps without significantly benefiting or harming the shark.
Remora fish attach to sharks using a specialized dorsal fin structure that acts like a suction cup. By hitching a ride on sharks, remoras can easily access food scraps left behind by the shark's feeding activities, while the shark may benefit from having the remora clean parasites off its skin.
Remoras are not technically parasites, as they do not harm the host and instead hitch a ride for transportation and feed on scraps left by the host. They have a mutualistic relationship with larger marine animals, such as sharks, where they benefit from the interaction.
It is pronounced "ree-MOR-uhs."
Common shark species found in Washington waters include leopard sharks, sixgill sharks, and spiny dogfish sharks. These sharks are typically spotted in the coastal areas and estuaries of Washington.