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sucker-fish, on the other hand, derives certain benefits from the sharks by
getting protected against its enemies, by sharing the meal of the host and
by enjoying free rides.
This habit of remoras, of getting attached to sharks and other floating
objects has been profitably utilized by native fishermen of East Africa to
catch turties. Live fish are kept on board in buckets of water each with a
ring round the tail to which a cord is attached. When a turtle is sighted,
these fishes, either one, two or three, depending on the size of the turtle,
are released into the sea, where they fasten themselves to the breast plate
of the turtles. Some skill is required to haul the line and bring the turtle
along side the boat.
No wonder, such an interesting fish, should find its way in the ancient
classical and medieval literature. Several myths, attributed to this fish, are
in vogue. According to Roman author Pliny, the death of the Emperor
Caligula was on account of remoras stopping his great galley. Mark
Antony's defeat at Actium was attributed to these fishes, which
immobilized his ship at a critical point in the battle. The witch doctors of
Africa have also found favour with sucker fishes, who in Madagascan
magic prescribe a sucking disc as a sure remedy to hold back or bring back
an unfaithful wife.
The scientific names Echeneis and Remora are Greek and Latin words
meaning holding-back-ship and holding-back respectively. Norman and
Fraser have aptly said, " both (names) refer to this alleged power of
impeding vessels, a power which is, of course, purely mythical."
(35) PUFFERS, PORCUPINES AND BOX FISHES
These fishes are really the queer creatures of the king Neptune's world,
unique in many ways. The puffers and porcupine fishes are globular,
whereas the box fishes, as the name suggests, are box like, made of
hexagonal plates fused rigidly together.
FAUNA 125