Family Rachycentridae, COBIA
Rachycentron canadum
Description: long, slim fish with broad depressed head; lower jaw
projects past upper jaw; dark lateral stripe extends through eye to
tail; first dorsal fin comprised of 7 to 9 free spines; when young,
has conspicuous alternating black and white horizontal stripes.
Similar Fish: remora, Echeneis naucrates.
Where found: both INSHORE and NEARSHORE inhabiting inlets, bays, and
among mangroves; frequently seen around bouys, pilings, and wrecks.
Size: common to 30 pounds.
*Florida Record: 103 lbs., 12 ozs.
Remarks: spawns in spring and early summer; feeds on crabs, squid,
and small fish.
* The Florida records quoted are from the Department of
Environmental Protection's printed publication, Fishing Lines and
are not necessarily the most current ones. The records are provided
as only as a benchmark.