sharksucker

noun

UK /ˈʃɑːkˌsʌkə/

US /ˈʃɑːrkˌsʌkər/

A sharksucker is a small fish that sticks to sharks and other big sea animals with a special pad on its head.

The sharksucker rode along on the shark's belly, eating leftover bits of food.

SYNONYMS

remora suckerfish pilot fish clingfish

RELATED WORDS

shark sucker ocean fish hitchhiker

OTHER MEANINGS

2. A person who attaches themselves to someone powerful for personal gain.

Everyone called him a sharksucker because he followed the boss everywhere.

3. Any fish that clings to larger animals using a suction disc.

Scientists studied several sharksuckers to learn how their suction pads work.

4. A slang term for a hanger-on or parasite.

The team ignored the sharksucker who only showed up for free meals.