What kind of fish attaches itself to a shark

The remora is a small fish that usually measures between one and three feet long. Their front dorsal fins evolved over time into an organ that sits like a suction cup on the top of their heads. Sometimes they even attach to whales, manta rays, and the occasional diver! The shark and remora relationship benefits both species. Remoras eat scraps of prey dropped by the shark. This makes the shark happy because the parasites would otherwise irritate the shark.

The remora receives more than a convenient food source; the sharks protect them from predators and give them free transportation throughout the oceans. Yet their hitching on to a shark causes no harm to the shark itself. That's the aspect of remora fish that scientists are most interested in -- how do they achieve such a solid attachment without damaging their host? Researchers from Georgia Tech are taking a closer look at the top of remoras' heads, at the structure and tissue properties of the area that adheres to the host, and hope to make a bio-inspired adhesive with the same qualities.

Along with detailed studies of remora species and their abilities, the researchers are using 3D printing to prototype versions of the remora's specialized dorsal fin.

According to the researchers, finding out the trick to this fish's reversible adhesion could be a benefit for many industries. It "could be used to create pain- and residue-free bandages, attach sensors to objects in aquatic or military reconnaissance environments, replace surgical clamps and help robots climb. Actively scan device characteristics for identification. Use precise geolocation data.

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