The pilot fish (Naucrates ductor) is a species of marine fish in the family Carangidae. It is widespread throughout the tropical oceans and is carnivorous, feeding on small organisms and carrion. This fish is best known for its mutualistic relationship with sharks, especially the oceanic whitetip; the smaller fish travel alongside the shark, feeding on its scraps and cleaning it of parasites, and in exchange the shark protects them from danger. As of 2015, it is ranked at Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, meaning it is not currently threatened with extinction.
