Presence of Remora remora on Mobula birostris in Revillagigedo National Park, Mexico
E. E. Becerril-García A , M. A. Gutiérrez-Ortiz B C , P. A. Preciado-González B C D and A. Ayala-Bocos BA Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Centro Interdisciplinario de Ciencias Marinas, Avenida Instituto Politécnico Nacional s/n, Playa Palo de Santa Rita Apdo. Postal 592, 23096, La Paz, México.
B Ecosistemas y Conservación: Proazul Terrestre A. C., Héroes de Independencia 2440, La Paz, México.
C Universidad Autónoma de Baja California Sur, Carretera Transpeninsular kilómetro 5.5, El Mezquitito, 23080, La Paz, México.
D Corresponding author. Email: paulpg93@gmail.com
Marine and Freshwater Research 71(3) 414-417 https://doi.org/10.1071/MF19089
Submitted: 15 March 2019 Accepted: 21 May 2019 Published: 15 August 2019
Abstract
The ecology of mantas and echeneids in the Tropical Eastern Pacific is poorly understood. In this study we describe the frequency of interactions between the vulnerable Mobula birostris and its symbiont Remora remora based on observations of scientists and tourists in a marine protected area. Data were obtained by analysing underwater photographs of observed mantas with remoras over 139 diving days at sea during the period 2016–17. In all, there were 271 photographic records of this symbiosis, corresponding to 207 mantas, with a mean (±s.d.) of 1.6 ± 0.6 remoras per manta. This study is the first to provide information regarding the sex ratio, length, morphotype frequency and echeneids per manta of M. birostris in the Tropical Eastern Pacific.
Additional keywords: Echeneidae, marine protected area, Mobulidae, symbiosis, vulnerable species.
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