COBIA (ling) - Rachycentron canadum

Family Rachycentridae, COBIA

Description: long, slim fish with broad depressed head; lower jaw projects past upper jaw; dark lateral stripe extends through eye to tail; fffst dorsal fin comprised of 7 to 9 free spines; when young, has conspicuous alternating black and white horizontal stripes.

Similar fish: remora, Eceneis naucrates.

Where found: both INSHORE and NEARSHORE inhabitating inlets, bays, and among mangroves; frequently seen around buoys, pilings, and wrecks.

Size: common to 30 pounds.

Remarks: spawns in spring and early summer; feeds on crabs, squid, and small fish.

Florida record: 103 lbs., 12 ozs.

Amberjack | Black Drum | Bluefish | Bonito | Cobia | Dolphin | Flounder | Grouper | King Mackerel | Marlin | Pompano | Redfish | Red Snapper | Sailfish | Sheepshead | Spanish Mackerel | Spotted Sea Trout | Tarpon | Triggerfish | Tuna | Vermilion Snapper | Wahoo | Weakfish |