English Name: Cobia
Family: RACHYCENTRIDAE
Local Name: Koabiya
Order: Perciformes
Size: Common to 1.1 m; max. 2 m
Specimen: MRS/P0137/87
Distinctive Characters: Dorsal fin with 7-9 spines followed by 1 spine and 33-36 rays. Anal fin with 2-3 spines and 22-28 rays. Pectoral rays 21-22. Body depth about 4.8 in standard length. Dorsal spines short and separate. Anal spines weak. Head broad and depressed. Mouth large and terminal. Caudal fin lunate in adults, upper lobe longer than lower (rounded in young, the central rays much prolonged).
Colour: Black above, sides brown with 2 distinct light bands. Belly pale yellowish.
Habitat and Biology: Pelagic, but also found over shallow coral reefs and off rock shores, occasionally in estuaries. Feeds mainly on crustaceans, squids and fishes.
Distribution: World-wide in warm seas except for Eastern Pacific. Despite the specific name, not known from Canada.
Remarks: Rachycentron canadum is a large predatory fish which is only rarely caught by Maldivian fishermen. It is related to remoras (see family Echneidae) in its appearance, although it lacks the sucking pads. It is sometimes seen swimming with large sea animals.