Pilotfish (species: Naucrates ductor) in Sydney Marine Life (Gaia Guide)
Sydney Marine Life > Actinopterygii > Perciformes > Naucrates ductor (gallery)
Naucrates ductor
Pilotfish


©Sarah Faulwetter: Pilotfish (Naucrates ductor) following a mobula ray

©Peterkoelbl: Pilotfish (Naucrates ductor) escorting a shark

©K. K. Bineesh: Pilotfish (Naucrates ductor)

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Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Actinopterygii
Order Perciformes
Family Carangidae
Genus Naucrates
Species Naucrates ductor

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Colours

              

Distinguishing features

Distinguishing features still need to be specified.

Size

  • Up to 70 cm (TL) - applies to More commonly 40cm

Depth range

  • From 0 m to 30 m

Synonyms

Distribution


©Atlas of Living Australia: Australian distribution

Distribution and habitat preferences

Oceanic species with a semi-obligate commensal relationship with sharks, rays, other bony fishes and turtles. Young are usually associated with jellyfish and drifting seaweed.

Web resources

References

  • Randall, J.E., G.R. Allen and R.C. Steene (1990). Fishes of the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea University of Hawaii Press, Honolulu, Hawaii.