Species of the family mobulidae are in association with hitchhiker fish species. Among these, are the family Echeneidae, it consists of eight species of marine fishes that hitchhike by adhering to a wide variety of vertebrate hosts via a sucking disc. Research into these hitchhiker associations are limited, but it has been suggested that hitchhiking behavior evolved as a means to gain protection from predation, enhance foraging opportunities, increase locomotor efficiency, and increase encounters with conspecific. In general, this relationship has been considered as mutualistic, however, studies in some species of mobulidae have found that remoras can cause injuries and wounds mainly in the mouth, spiracles, and gill slits. This associations between remora and mobulas have been documented yet not specific between host but also with a seasonal trend and even in growth stages. ⠀ Ph: @porfiria.gglz Text: Biologist Sofia Salinas ⠀ #jointhepod #orgcas #marineconservation #bajacaliforniasur