1.Echeneis is a marine fish feeding on small fishes . It attaches itself by means of its adhesive organ to boats , sharks , turtle , cetaceans and other large swift swimming animals.
2. Echeneis is commonly known as sucker-fish.
3. Body is elongated , measuring about 1 meter in length , fusiform and covered with small cycloid scales.
4. Head is depressed and furnished above with an adhesive organ.
5. Head bears lateral eyes and a wide and deep mouth.
6. Adhesive disc is flat ,oval and transversely furrowed and is an effective organ for attachment.It bears 21-28 transverse lamellae.
7. Second dorsal and anal fins are elongated, without spines and opposed to each other.
8. Tail is homocercal and caudal fins bilobed.
9. Air-bladder is absent.
10. On the east coast of Africa , it is employed for catching turtles.
Source:
1. Practical Zoology Vertebrates by S.S.Lal. 2. A Manual of Practical Zoology Chordates by Dr. P.S. Verma.
