| Cobia
Rachycentron canadu, Family Rachycentridae This fish is the
only species in the family, distantly related to the remoura(see sharksucker).
Dark brown with black fins. Lower protruding jaw. A black lateral band
runs from the nose to the caudal(tail) fin. As large as 6 ft, 150 lbs,
averaging 10-50 lbs (the one in the photo was 23 1/2 lbs). Ranges Mass.,
USA to Argentina, from coastal waters to ocean--common around sea buoys
and other stationary floating objects. |
Young fish, like the one caught
above, can be found in bays and inlets--adults prefer deeper waters. The
Cobia will hit on crabs, shrimp, and small bait fish--they are not frequently
caught in Great bay, but there is a chance you might catch one, especially
if you go farther south to the Cape May area. Highly edible meat.
Juvenile example shown in the series of pics to the right was caught in the Mystic Island Lagoons by Zach Makwinksi:
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Juvenile example 2008 with shots of head/tail
Note that the tail is rounded on the juvenile, but forked on the adult. This can make identification confusing.
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