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What is a Pilot Fish?

Erica Stratton
Erica Stratton

A pilot fish is a small fish which is known for being in the company of larger predators. It has a type of symbiotic relationship with a larger animal known as "mutualism," where unrelated species have a relationship that isn't based on predator/prey. The pilot fish eats parasites off the skin of their host animal, and in return, they receive protection from other species.

The fish is considered carnivorous, in that it eats small scraps of flesh and ectoparasites. Ectoparasites are tiny creatures which live on the outside of another animal's body, feeding off them. By using the parasites as a source of food, the pilot fish can form mutually-beneficial relationships with larger animals, such as sea turtles, or predators, such as sharks. These animals often suffer from having parasites on their skin, and by eating them, the fish offers them relief.

Frog
Frog

Pilot fish also serve their hosts as "dentists." They will swim into their host's mouth and eat all of the food particles that are stuck between its teeth. When their host is a shark, it can be an impressive sight to see the much smaller fish inside such a dangerously toothy mouth. The pilot fish is not in danger of being eaten, since it provides benefits to the shark. This has led to some surfers putting pilot fish stickers on the bottom of their surfboards so as to discourage sharks from taking a bite out of them.

These fish can actually be used as a food fish, but they are so beneficial as cleaners that they are seldom eaten by any animal. The unusual relationship that pilot fish have with other creatures has led to many romantic myths. Before the nature of the mutual relationship was fully understood, it was thought that pilot fish led their hosts to food, rather than feeding off of parasites on their host. Since pilot fish also follow their hosts to feed off of scraps from their kills, they would sometimes follow sailing ships for the waste thrown overboard and were considered a good omen that the ship would safely reach port.

Pilot fish are also often used as a metaphor in literature. Herman Melville, author of Moby Dick, used the pilot fish to represent living in a dangerous place in his poem "The Maldive Shark." In The Christmas Invasion, a 2005 episode of the British science fiction television programme Doctor Who, the Doctor refers to some dangerous aliens as "pilot fish." He is referencing the myth of the fish leading their hosts to prey, since the arrival of the aliens heralds the arrival of a far more dangerous race, the Sycorrax.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a pilot fish and what does it look like?

A pilot fish is a small, slender marine fish known for its close association with sharks. It typically has a silver body with dark, vertical stripes. Growing up to about 70 centimeters in length, the pilot fish has a forked tail and a keel-like structure on either side of its tail base, which aids in agile swimming.

Why do pilot fish follow sharks and other large marine animals?

Pilot fish follow sharks and other large marine animals to gain protection from predators and to feed on parasites and leftover scraps. This symbiotic relationship, known as commensalism, benefits the pilot fish without harming the host. The presence of pilot fish can also indicate a shark's health, as they tend to avoid sickly sharks.

Can pilot fish survive without sharks or other large hosts?

Yes, pilot fish can survive without sharks or other large hosts. They are opportunistic feeders and can sustain themselves on a variety of food sources, including small crustaceans and algae. However, their association with larger animals provides additional food and safety, which can increase their chances of survival in the open ocean.

Where can pilot fish be found in the world's oceans?

Pilot fish are commonly found in warm, tropical and subtropical oceans around the world. They are pelagic, meaning they live in the open sea rather than near the bottom. They often inhabit areas near coral reefs and coastal regions where larger marine animals are likely to be found.

How do pilot fish interact with humans?

Pilot fish are generally not harmful to humans. Divers and swimmers may observe them following sharks or cleaning the hulls of boats, as they are attracted to the movement and potential food sources. While curious, pilot fish maintain a safe distance from humans and are not considered a threat.

Are pilot fish protected or endangered?

As of my knowledge cutoff in 2023, pilot fish are not listed as endangered or threatened. They have a wide distribution and are not typically targeted by fisheries. However, they can be indirectly affected by overfishing of their host species and habitat destruction, which could impact their populations in the future.

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