Smithsonian magazine's 22nd Annual Photo Contest | Made possible through the support of MPB.com

21st Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Natural World
Life on the tail

A family of remora fish travelling across the ocean on the giant tail of a sperm whale. The remoras attach themselves to the whale's body and use the shark’s size and strength to their advantage. They benefit from their relationship with the whale in a number of ways, including scavenging for food , providing transportation and protection from predators. In return, they also help the whale by cleaning its skin and removing parasites, allowing for a healthier and more efficient swimming experience. This symbiotic relationship is an example of how two different species can work together for mutual benefit.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 01.2022
Date Uploaded: 11.2023
Photo Location: Mauritius
Camera: ILCE-7RM5
Copyright: © Thien Nguyen Ngoc