Interesting Information

Companions:

To refer to them as "friends" would be too strong a term for these little fish which accompany the shark everywhere.  Theirs is a purely selfish aim, with minimal benefit or none at all for their host.  These fish are one of three species and are commensals, feeding on the scraps of prey shredded by the shark.

The first is best known by the name of pilot fish.  It generally swims close to the shark's dorsal fin, only rare occasions leaving on brief incursions into the immediate surroundings.  Measuring 30 centimeters on average, it's body is zebra-striped with between 5 and 7 vertical black bands.

The pilot fish (Naucrates ductor): black and white stripes from head to tail

It should be made clear that it does not pilot the shark at all, being content instead to escort it.  In fact it accompanies and large object, a boat as well as a school of tunnies, a turtle or a big manta ray.  The shark, however, is a favorite host for several reasons.  The food motivation is obvious, these little fish gorging on scraps too small for the shark.  The protection offered by such a companion is also an important safeguard against predators; and finally, the shark's movement creates a wave above which is easy to swim on, like surfers on rollers.

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