Naucrates Ductor (b)
Work in progress
Naucrates Ductor (pilot fish).
In Greek mythology, one of Apollo’s hand maidens, Ocyrhoe (nymph), was helped by a sailor, Pompilus, to escape Apollo’s evil clutches. When Apollo discovered the escape plan, he punished Pompilus by transforming him into a Pilot fish. Pompilus was doomed to spend eternity serving and cleaning the hungry and carnivorous shark, which could turn on the poor pilot fish and eat him at any time.
Using Greek ceramics and painting as my inspiration I intend to create unique artefacts which will be constructed from found objects. These artworks will tell the tale of the doomed Ocyrhoe and Pompilus and their flight to escape the clutches of the vengeful Apollo.
Artist: Harry Hodgson
Fish Profile
Pilot Fish – Naucrates Ductor
Conservation status
Pilot fish have been listed as Least Concern by the IUCN and are not considered in danger. They are eaten by humans but are difficult to catch on lines due to their erratic behaviour. However they are sometimes caught and then sold as by-catch.
They can be found in tropical and subtropical marine waters as well as around the British Isles and into the Mediterranean.
There have been a number of myths around Pilot Fish suggesting they acted as pilots for ships and other fishes. This isn’t the reality though they can follow fishing boats for long periods of time and they are often found close to large fish such as sharks and rays swimming together.