Species: Remora brachyptera, Spearfish Remora

Remora brachyptera (Lowe, 1839)

Spearfish remora

Body elongate, robust; dorsal and anal bases < 2x head length; head disc short (27-40% of SL), reaches ~ middle of pectorals, 14-17 plates, its tiny spines pointed, in 2-3 irregular rows; jaws broad, lower jaw projecting, top jaw not protractile; simple teeth on jaws and center of roof of mouth; operculum without spines; gill rakers 14-17, 12-14 lower rakers; pectoral broad, blunt 23-27 rays, outer 2/3 of fin flexible; dorsal and anal bases similar length, notably longer than head; dorsal 27-34 rays; anal 23-27 rays;pectorals rounded, high on body, outer 2/3 fin flexible;  pelvics pointed, under pectoral base, close-set, I, 5, broadly attached to belly; tail slightly concave (forked in juvenile); scales small, smooth, imbedded.