What does remora mean?
A remora is a marine fish recognized by the suction disc on the top of its flattened head, which it uses to attach to sharks, turtles, whales, boats, and other surfaces. Remoras are found in warm oceans, with many species inhabiting tropical or subtropical waters. By attaching themselves to larger animals, they can travel while feeding on parasites, small prey, or food scraps around their hosts. Although their suction disc is exceptionally effective, remoras can swim independently and are not simply permanent parasites. The common name “suckerfish” describes this attachment habit, while “hitchhiker fish” is sometimes used more descriptively. Remoras have long been observed around ships and large sea animals, and their name preserves an old maritime belief that they could impede a vessel by attaching to it.
nounA marine fish of the family Remoridae, typically having a flattened head with a suction disc that allows it to attach to larger animals, boats, and other surfaces. Remoras are commonly called suckerfish because they feed on parasites or leftover food associated with their hosts.
- Any fish in the family Remoridae, especially one adapted to attach itself to larger animals or vessels by means of a suction disc.
"A remora clung to the underside of the shark as it cruised through the warm water."
"Divers sometimes see remoras travelling alongside reef sharks."
"The deck was covered with small remoras that had attached themselves to the boat."
“Remoras” is the standard English plural, while “remorae” is widely used in taxonomy.
"Several remoras accompanied the shark."
The remora was named for an oar: sailors once believed that fish attaching themselves to ships were holding the vessels back.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does remora come from?
The English word comes through Latin from remora, an ancient term for an oar or towing rope and, by extension, an impediment or delay. The fish received this name because it was believed to attach to ships and slow their progress, rather like a towing rope or an oar holding a vessel back. The Latin word is related to remus, meaning “oar,” and ultimately underlies forms such as remorage and remorate associated with delay or hindrance.
Related word forms
How remora is actually used
The term is used in biology and marine ecology. In general usage, “remora” is often replaced by “suckerfish,” although that name may also refer to related fishes and is less taxonomically precise.