AN ANATOMICAL MISCELLANY

A remora’s sucker

There are eight species of remora, also known as sharksuckers

DORSAL FINS ARE USED conventionally to prevent a fish rolling to the side while swimming and to help them negotiate tight turns. Remoras, though, have transformed theirs into a structure designed to get other animals to do their swimming for them. The bizarre suction cup on the top of a remora’s head allows them to hitch rides from whales, sharks and other big fish.