Cobia, Rachycentron canadum (Linnaeus, 1766)
Black King, Black Kingfish, Cobe, Crab Eater, Lemon Fish, Ling, Sergeant Fish
Click to enlarge image
© Tim Martin
Fast Facts
-
Classification
- Genus
- Rachycentron
- Species
- canadum
- Family
- Rachycentridae
- Order
- Perciformes
- Class
- Actinopterygii
- Subphylum
- Vertebrata
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Kingdom
- Animalia
-
- Size Range
- The species grows to about 2 m in length.
Introduction
The Cobia occurs in continental shelf waters of the tropical Atlantic and Indo-west Pacific. it is is the only species in the family Rachycentridae.
Identification
The Cobia has an elongate body with very short dorsal fin spines. There is a dark stripe on the side of the body, below which is a pale stripe that darkens after death. The Cobia is the only species in the family Rachycentridae.
Distribution
The Cobia is a pelagic species that occurs in continental shelf waters of the tropical Atlantic and Indo-west Pacific. In Australia it is known from south-western Western Australia, around the tropical north of the country and south to the central coast of New South Wales.
The map below shows the Australian distribution of the species based on public sightings and specimens in Australian Museums. Source: Atlas of Living Australia.
Feeding and diet
Dietary items include mainly crustaceans, as well as smaller fishes and squid.
References
- Allen, G.R. 1997. Marine Fishes of Tropical Australia and South-east Asia. Western Australian Museum. Pp. 292.
- Collette, B.B. Rachycentridae. in Carpenter, K.E. & V.H. Niem. 1999. The Living Marine Resources of the Western Central Pacific. Volume 4. Bony fishes part 2 (Mugilidae to Carangidae). FAO. Rome Pp. iii-v, 2069-2790.
- Hutchins, B. & R. Swainston. 1986. Sea Fishes of Southern Australia. Complete Field Guide for Anglers and Divers. Swainston Publishing. Pp. 180.
- Randall, J.E., Allen, G.R. & R.C. Steene. 1997. Fishes of the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea. Crawford House Press. Pp. 557.
