Radiographic and tomographic description of marlin sucker Remora osteochir, Pisces: Echeneidae—preliminary data of one specimen

Abstract

Remoras are commensal fish of various marine species, such as sharks, swordfishes, turtles, dolphins, manta rays and whales. One specimen of marlin sucker Remora osteochir was evaluated using computed tomography for skeletal digital reconstruction, digital radiology for general evaluation and bone counting, and the double contrast technique to distinguish coelomic organs. In radiographic images, it was possible to observe otoliths in the center of the neurocranium, to count 27 vertebrae, nine pairs of ribs, and to detect the presence of the hipural and epural bones near of the caudal fin. In double contrast images, it was possible to visualize the swim bladder, gills, heart, liver, stomach and intestines. From the tomographic images and reconstructions, it was possible to identify the intercalar bones of the cephalic disc; the spine with vertebral bodies composed of neural arches and ventral ribs; and the pectoral girdle formed by posttemporal, cleithrum and scapulocoracoid bones. It was concluded that digital radiology and computed tomography were able to describe anatomical structures of marlin sucker R. osteochir without the need for dissection.

Advanced Bionic Attachment Equipment Inspired by the Attachment Performance of Aquatic Organisms: A Review

“…They are mainly composed of micron-sized stiff hairs that protrude from individual comb-tooth lamellae and terminate as sharp cone-shaped points of varying shapes [ 69 ]. Studies have shown that a style can significantly increase the resistance between the sucker of the remora and the hosts’ uneven local surfaces to sliding, thereby enhancing its friction and shearing strength [ 70 , 71 ]. As the comb lamellae rotate in a direction, the style can withstand exposure to the large shearing force caused by the movement and avoid being thrown off by the hosts.…”