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