Species: Remora osteochir, Marlinsucker Remora, the Marlinsucker

Remora osteochir (Cuvier, 1829)

Marlinsucker

Body elongate, relatively slender; dorsal and anal bases < 2x head length; head disc with 15-19 plates, long (37-49% of SL), reaches well beyond pectorals, its tiny spines blunt, in 4 irregular rows; jaws broad, lower jaw projecting, top jaw not protractile; simple teeth on jaws and center of roof of mouth; operculum without spines; 11-17 gill rakers; pectoral medium, blunt, 20-24 rays, fin stiff to tip; dorsal and anal bases similar length, almost 2x head length; dorsal 20-26 rays, anal 20-26 rays; pectorals rounded, high on body, all fin stiff; pelvics pointed, under pectoral base, close-set, I, 5, broadly attached to belly; tail blunt to slightly concave (forked in juvenile); scales small, smooth, imbedded.