Phtheirichthys lineatus (Menzies, 1791)
Slender suckerfish
photo by SFSA

Family:  Echeneidae (Remoras)
Max. size:  76 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  pelagic-oceanic; marine; depth range 0 - 5 m, oceanodromous
Distribution:  Worldwide in tropical and subtropical waters. Western Atlantic: South Carolina, USA and northern Gulf of Mexico to northern South America (Ref. 7251). Western Central Pacific: Guam (Ref. 35720).
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 32-38; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 31-38. Bluish black above, white below; 3 stripes along sides (upper pale blue, middle black, lower silvery).
Biology:  Rare (Ref. 4389), oceanic species. Most often found attached to barracudas but also to other fishes and sea turtles. Clings to body of host and also found inside gill chambers.
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 23 August 2012 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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