No photo available
Cobia
Rachycentron canadum
Valid name (FishBase; confirmed in Eschmeyer's Catalog of Fishes and WoRMS, October 2026).
- English
- Cobia
- Scientific
- Rachycentron canadum
- Dhivehi
- Koabiya
- Family
- Rachycentridae (cobia)
- Maximum size
- Up to about 2 m (total length); commonly 1.1 m; max. published weight 68 kg (FishBase); MRS 1997 gives common to 1.1 m; max. 2 m
- Depth and habitat
- Coral reefs and reef-associated habitats, recorded from 0 to 1200 m; also enters brackish water
- IUCN status
- LC · Least ConcernLeast Concern (LC), assessed 2012
Description
A large, elongate predator with a broad flat head, dark brown back and two narrow silvery bands along the sides. Its shape and colours make it look like a giant remora, and it often swims alongside sharks, rays and turtles. It feeds on crabs, fish and squid and can reach about 2 m.
In the Maldives
Dhivehi name koabiya (MRS 1997). MRS notes it is only rarely caught by Maldivian fishermen.
Sources
- fishbase.se /summary/Rachycentron-canadum.html
- fao.org /4/AD471E/AD471E00.htm
- commons.wikimedia.org /wiki/File:Rachycentron_canadum.jpg
Dhivehi name source: M.R.S. (1997) Fishes of the Maldives (FAO/BOBP MAG/21) gives 'Koabiya' (Latin form).