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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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Interesting report.

Thanks for posting

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

Nothing like being eaten by your exfoliator

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

Are you several parasite afflicted fish and not a guy?

ETA:. I am four eels

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

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

Did you make my daughter cry?!

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.

Why would they use sharks, sharks are smooth

From all directions and at all times

Should have same surface on subs.

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Camouflage as an actual school of fish.

Smooth. Just like your brain.

Sharks, the Loofah of the sea.

Given their skin texture I totally understand

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

No for a thin layer of turbulence which acts as a lubricant to rest of water.