Description:

Dorsal spines: 0; Dorsal rays: 32-42; Anal spines: 0; Anal rays: 29-41.

Elongate fish. Jaws broad, the lower projecting beyond the upper. Many small sharp villiform teeth in jaws, on tongue and on vomerine patches.  First dorsal fin replaced by 
a transversal, laminated, oval cephalic disc, with 16 to 28 laminae, positioned from the top of the head to the anterior portion of the body. Second dorsal fin and anal fin 
originate at the midlength of the body and taper, extending almost to the base of the caudal fin. Pectoral fins short, pointed and high on body. Caudal fin forked with long 
central filament in young, truncate to forked in adults.

Colour. Dark grey‑brown to black above, paler below with dark, often pale-edged midlateral stripe. Fins dark to black in adults. Juveniles with upper and lower margins of 
fins white.
 

Size:

Maturity: Lm unknown. Range unknown. Max Length: 110cm TL, commonly to 66cm SL.

Habitat and Ecology:

Occurs near as well as far from the coast. Often found free-swimming in shallow inshore areas and around coral reefs (depth 1-85m). Attaches temporarily to a variety of 
hosts including sharks, rays, large bony fishes or sea turtles, whales, dolphins and also to ships.

Its diet consists of small fishes, its host's parasites, and scraps from its host's prey. Juveniles will occasionally clean fishes at reef cleaning stations.

Fishery Status:

This species is not protected or subject to fishery regulations. It is rarely landed by the artisanal fishery.

Notes:
References:

Bester, C. (2017). Echeneis naucrates. https://www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/discover-fish/species-profiles/echeneis-naucrates/ (08/05/20).
Bray, D.J. & Gomon, M.F. Echeneis naucrates in Fishes of Australia, http://136.154.202.208/home/species/3711 (08/05/20).
Collette, B. et al. (2015). Echeneis naucrates (errata version 2017). The IUCN Red List 2015: https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2015-4.RLTS.T190393A15603110.en. (08/05/20).
Fischer, W. & G. Bianchi (eds), (1984).  FAO species identification sheets for fishery purposes. Western Indian Ocean; (Fishing Area 51). Prepared and printed with the 
support of the Danish International Development Agency (DANIDA). Rome, Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations, vols 1-6.
Froese, R. & D. Pauly. (Eds.) (2020). FishBase. https://www.fishbase.se/summary/Echeneis-naucrates.html (08/05/20).

Citation:

Nevill, J.E.G. (2020). Echeneis naucrates, Live sharksucker. Seychelles Seatizens. www.seatizens.sc. https://seatizens.sc/species/echeneis-naucrates-linnaeus-1758/ (edited 03/07/22).