Pilotfish (Naucrates ductor)

Latin name

Naucrates ductor

Other names

Pilot fish

Identification

The fish has five to seven dark vertical stripes on its elongated body and a low dorsal fin with four spines.

Distribution

Widely distributed in the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans.

Habitat

A pelagic marine fish that inhabits the open parts of seas and oceans.

Known for accompanying great sharks on their ocean wanderings, as well as whales, rays, schools of various other fish and ships. One fish is said to have followed a sailing ship for 80 days.

Size

Her maximum height can reach 27 inches.

Life history and Behavior

Pilot fish often swim alongside sharks, rays, and sea turtles. They use sharks for protection from other predators and for access to food scraps. In return, the sharks get cleaned of parasites.

Food and feeding habits

They feed on leftover food, as well as parasites, small fish and invertebrates.

Reproduction

It reproduces in the open sea, releasing eggs into the water column. Larvae hatch from the eggs, develop in the plankton, and then gradually transform into juveniles.