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WashingtonPass OP t1_it5hsvj wrote

The open ocean is a good place for parasites, fish don't have arms to remove them and swim far from anything fixed like a coral reef that can be used as a comb.

A team of researchers has found that fish like to rub against sharks to scratch themselves and remove irritants including parasites. They prefer sharks to other fish for this purpose. Shark skin is rough, made up of tiny tooth like structures, and was used as sand paper in prehistoric times.

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SunCloud-777 t1_it603bc wrote

true. shark skin is abrasive and coarse, like sand paper (not the fine grit ones). no wonder other fish use this predator to scrape off their ectoparasites. the fish help each other out.

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KillingItWithFire t1_it5unxz wrote

Just wanted to say that the shark in the picture looks so dam happy and cute.

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Incognito_Placebo t1_it5vd50 wrote

I love sharks. I don’t care what anybody says, I think they’re magnificent, beautiful creatures.

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bakinpants t1_it5w8ya wrote

Are you several parasite afflicted fish and not a guy?

ETA:. I am four eels

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Incognito_Placebo t1_it5yaht wrote

Who wants to know??? What have you heard? I swear it’s a dirty rumor!!!

I got rid of all my parasites…. I swear!

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louisxx2142 t1_it6zsgh wrote

Does this have a negative impact on sharks by transferring parasites to them?

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