Remora Fish Attempts to Make Friends With a Diver

REMORA FISH ATTEMPTS TO MAKE FRIENDS WITH A DIVER
WITH PIX AND VID
By Shuk Yee Tsang
A diver’s unexpected underwater “friend” was caught on camera when a remora repeatedly attached itself to a scuba tank during a dive.
The moment was filmed by Luka Marie Weber, 30, a scuba instructor from Windeck, Germany.
Weber captured the encounter while diving with her friend Benja, during a trip spanning the Maldives, Tonga, and Egypt where the remora was seen attaching itself to the diver's leg. .
She says the behaviour is common but rarely filmed, and hopes the footage helps educate divers about remoras, which often cause confusion for beginners.
Luka said, “I was laughing underwater and thought I’m glad the remora chose him instead of me, so I can capture this unique moment.
“I filmed this moment to educate people about remoras because new divers or divers unfamiliar with this animal often freak out underwater,
"Not knowing what kind of animal this is and why they suck onto you.
“I’ve witnessed this behaviour before but never had the chance to actually film it.
"So I’m glad this time it worked out. People don’t need to panic.
"It’s kind of lovely that the fish trusts humans to hitch a ride and seek protection from larger animals.
“Remoras attach themselves to larger animals or sometimes divers for three main reasons:
"Transportation – free rides all day!
" Food access – they snack on leftovers from their host.
"And protection – safety in the shadow of giants."
ENDS