Rachycentron canadum, a large predatory fish related to remoras (family Echneidae) in appearance, though lacking the sucking pads, is rarely caught by Maldivian fishermen, but is sometimes seen swimming with large sea animals.
Details
§ 01
size
Common to 1.1 m; max. 2 m
color
Black above, sides brown with 2 distinct light bands. Belly pale yellowish.
This species is typically found in pelagic waters, but can also be seen over shallow coral reefs, off rocky shores, and sometimes in estuaries. Its diet consists mainly of crustaceans, squids, and fishes.
distinctive characters
The dorsal fin has 7-9 spines followed by one spine and 33-36 rays, while the anal fin has 2-3 spines and 22-28 rays. The pectoral rays are 21-22, and the body depth is approximately 4.8 in standard length. The dorsal spines are short and separate, while the anal spines are weak. The head is broad and depressed, and the mouth is large and terminal. The caudal fin is lunate in adults, with the upper lobe being longer than the lower (rounded in young, with the central rays being much prolonged).