You've probably seen them in nature documentaries. Those slender, hitchhiking fish stuck to the underbelly of a Great White shark or the flank of a manta ray. They look like passive observers, just drifting through the ocean without burning a single calorie. But have you ever wondered what happens if you touch a remora yourself?
It’s a strange sensation. Most people expect a fish to be slimy or scaly, and while the remora is certainly slippery, the real surprise is the texture of their "sucking disc." If you’ve ever run your finger across the tread of a wet sneaker or a piece of heavy-duty Velcro, you’re getting close to the feeling. It’s grippy. It's structural. It’s also surprisingly strong.
The Physics of the Grip
The remora (family Echeneidae) doesn't use suction in the way a vacuum cleaner does. It’s more mechanical than that. The oval organ on top of their head is actually a highly modified dorsal fin. Evolution basically took a standard fin and flattened it out, turning the rays into transverse plates called lamellae.
When a remora wants to latch onto something—whether that’s a host animal or, occasionally, a curious diver's leg—it raises these lamellae. This creates a series of tiny chambers. The friction between these plates and the surface is what does the heavy lifting. Researchers like Brooke Flammang from the New Jersey Institute of Technology have spent years studying this exact mechanism. They’ve found that the disc is lined with tiny, tooth-like structures called spinules. These provide enough friction to keep the fish attached even when its host is blasting through the water at high speeds.
If you touch a remora's disc while the lamellae are flat, it feels relatively smooth, if a bit rubbery. But if the fish is "engaged," it feels like a soft rasp. It won't tear your skin off, but you’ll definitely feel the pull.
Does it hurt if they latch onto you?
Honestly, it’s mostly just startling.
Divers occasionally find themselves being approached by remoras, especially in areas where the fish have become bold or have lost their primary host. If a remora decides you look like a suitable replacement for a shark, it might try to hitch a ride on your leg, back, or tank.
The Physical Sensation
It feels like a firm, wet press. Imagine someone taking a large, cold suction cup and pushing it against your skin, then dragging it slightly. Because of those spinules I mentioned, it has a "bite" to it. It’s not a bite from the mouth, but a grip from the head. Most people’s immediate reaction is to flinch and swat it away, which is exactly what you should do if you don't want a hickey-style bruise.
Skin Irritation
The real "danger," if you can even call it that, is the potential for a "remora hickey." Because they grip so tightly, they can cause localized bruising or redness on human skin. We don't have the thick, leathery hide of a shark or the tough scales of a marlin. Our skin is soft. A remora sticking to a bare-chested swimmer can leave a distinct, oval-shaped mark that looks like you had a very strange encounter with a kitchen appliance.
Why Do They Want to Touch Us Anyway?
Remoras aren't trying to eat you. They aren't parasites in the traditional sense. They are "commensals." This means they benefit from the relationship while the host is mostly unaffected. They get a free ride, protection from predators, and access to the "crumbs" left over when the host eats.
Sometimes, they act as cleaners, eating parasites off the host’s skin.
When a remora approaches a human, it's usually a case of mistaken identity or simple opportunism. If there aren't any sharks around, a slow-moving diver is the next best thing. They are remarkably persistent. You can push them away, and they will often circle right back and try to stick to your other leg. It's a bit like a needy dog that doesn't understand personal space, only it's a fish and it's trying to use your calf as a taxi.
Myths vs. Reality
There is an old legend that remoras can stop a ship in its tracks. Pliny the Elder, a Roman author, once claimed that a single remora held back Marc Antony’s fleet at the Battle of Actium.
Let's be real: that’s impossible.
While they create a tiny bit of drag on a shark, they aren't stopping a boat. However, this myth highlights just how much humans have been fascinated by their sticking power for millennia. In some cultures, fishermen have actually used remoras to catch turtles. They tie a line to the fish's tail, release it near a turtle, and wait for the remora to latch on. Then, they simply haul both of them in. The grip is so strong that the line will often break before the fish lets go.
Handling a Remora Safely
If you ever find yourself in a position where you are handling one—perhaps you’re a fisherman unhooking a "bycatch" remora—you need to be careful. Not because the fish is venomous (it’s not), but because of the way they are built.
- Slide, Don't Pull: If one latches onto your hand or gear, don't try to rip it straight off. That's how you end up with skin abrasions or damage the fish. Instead, slide the fish forward. This mimics the motion of the host moving through the water and usually triggers the lamellae to relax, allowing the fish to disengage.
- Mind the Teeth: While the sucking disc is the main attraction, remoras do have small, sharp teeth in their mouths. They use these to grab scraps of food. Keep your fingers away from the business end.
- Protect the Slime Coat: Like all fish, remoras have a protective mucus layer. If you touch them with dry hands, you can strip this away, leaving the fish vulnerable to infections. If you must touch one, wet your hands first.
The Microbiome Factor
One thing experts rarely mention to the general public is the bacterial aspect. Marine environments are teeming with Vibrio and other bacteria. If a remora's grip does break your skin or leave an abrasion, you need to treat it like any other coral scrape or fish puncture.
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- Wash the area immediately with fresh water and soap.
- Apply an antiseptic.
- Watch for signs of spreading redness or heat.
It's highly unlikely to cause a major issue, but "fish poisoning" is a real thing that divers and fishermen deal with frequently.
The Ethical Component of Touching Wildlife
Just because you can touch a remora doesn't mean you should. In many marine protected areas, touching any wildlife is strictly prohibited. Beyond the legalities, there’s the stress factor. Being handled by a giant land-mammal is a terrifying experience for a fish. It causes their cortisol levels to spike, which can weaken their immune systems.
If a remora initiates contact with you underwater, it's a fascinating opportunity to observe their behavior up close. You can see the way the lamellae pulse and adjust to the contours of your wetsuit. But seeking them out to "test the suction" is generally frowned upon in the modern diving community.
Practical Steps for Divers and Swimmers
If a remora starts eyeing you up as a potential ride, don't panic. They are harmless, if a bit annoying.
If you are wearing a wetsuit, you probably won't feel much more than a slight tug. If you are in trunks or a bikini, be prepared for a very weird, very firm "kiss" on your skin. If you want to discourage them, keep moving. Remoras like stable, predictable surfaces. If you are constantly changing your pace or gently waving them off with your fins, they’ll eventually realize you’re more trouble than you’re worth and head off to find a more cooperative turtle or shark.
If you do end up with a mark from a remora, don't worry—it’s a great story for the dive bar later that night. Just tell people you had a run-in with a very small, very confused shark-sucker.
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To prevent skin irritation after an encounter, rinse the contact area with a mixture of white vinegar and fresh water. This helps neutralize any stinging cells from parasites the remora might have been carrying or simple irritants from the ocean. Always ensure your gear is thoroughly washed as well; the mucus from a remora is notoriously sticky and can leave a stubborn film on silicone masks or neoprene suits if allowed to dry.
Monitor any skin marks for 48 hours. Most "remora hickeys" fade within a day or two, much like a mild bruise. If you notice any swelling that moves away from the site of the grip, consult a professional, as marine bacteria can occasionally be more aggressive than standard domestic varieties.