Editing Remora (section)

== Habitat ==
[[File:Echeneis naucrates Indonesia.jpg|thumb|right|upright|Some remoras, such as this ''[[Echeneis naucrates]]'', may attach themselves to scuba divers.]]
Remoras are [[Tropics|tropical]] open-ocean dwellers, but are occasionally found in [[Temperate climate|temperate]] or coastal waters if they have attached to large fish that have wandered into these areas. In the mid-[[Atlantic Ocean]], spawning usually takes place in June and July; in the [[Mediterranean Sea]], it occurs in August and September. The sucking disc begins to show when the young fish are about {{convert|1|cm|1|abbr=on}} long. When the remora reaches about {{convert|3|cm|abbr=on}}, the disc is fully formed and the remora can then attach to other animals. The remora's lower jaw projects beyond the upper, and the animal lacks a [[swim bladder]].<ref name=FishBase>{{FishBase family|family=Echeneididae|month=August|year=2019}}</ref>

Some remoras associate with specific host species. They are commonly found attached to sharks, [[manta ray]]s, whales, turtles, and [[dugong]]s, hence the common names "sharksucker" and "whalesucker".  Smaller remoras also fasten onto fish such as [[tuna]] and [[swordfish]], and some of the smallest remoras travel in the mouths or gills of large manta rays, [[ocean sunfish]], swordfish and [[sailfish]].

The relationship between a remora and its host is most often taken to be one of [[commensalism]], specifically [[Phoresis|phoresy]].

While some of the relationships are mutualistic, it is believed that dolphins with remoras attached do not benefit from the relationship. The attachment of the remora increases the dolphin's [[Drag (physics)|drag]], which increases the energy needed for swimming. The remora is also thought to irritate the skin of the dolphin.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Weihs |first1=Daniel |last2=Fish |first2=Frank E. |last3=Nicastro |first3=Anthony J. |title=Mechanics of Remora Removal by Dolphin Spinning |journal=Marine Mammal Science |date=11 June 2007 |volume=23 |issue=3 |pages=707–714 |doi=10.1111/j.1748-7692.2007.00131.x|bibcode=2007MMamS..23..707W }}</ref>