Cobia (ling)
Family Rachycentridae, COBIA
Rachycentron canadum
Illustrations and Copyright by Diane Rome Peebles
Illustrations are for viewing purposes only.
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 Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's printed publication, Fishing Lines and are not necessarily the most current ones. The records are provided as only as a benchmark.
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