SUCKERFISH - ECHENEIDAE Over time the suckerfish changed their first dorsal fin into a sucking disc which they use to attach themselves to larger marine life. They act as cleaners and remove parasites from their host. They also feed on their host’s leftover meals and hunt on small fish and crustaceans when swimming on their own. Some have become known to travel with turtles, sharks, big rays, whalesharks and other big bony fish. I have often observed young suckerfish wanting to attach themselves to medium-sized coral fish that don’t appear happy about this. Even divers that move very slowly can often become a short time host. Suckerfish can be found in every sea and ocean but are mostly seen in warm and temperate waters. Length: 110 cm. Distribution: all temperate and warm seas. Easy to recognise by the black horizontal line over the whole body. Laminated sucking disc on top of the head which is used to attach themselves to larger fishes, turtles, mammals and divers. Occasionally free-swimming along coral reefs, searching for a free ride and food.