Cobia
Rachycentron canadum
Regions
New England/Mid-AtlanticSoutheast
Protected status
None
Also known as
CrabeaterSergeantfishLingCabioCubby yewLemonfish
Species Profile
Florida saltwater profile data (FWC). Availability and detail varies by species.
FWC
Size
Up to 6 feet (150 pounds); common from 10 to 50 pounds
Similar species
Remora, E. naucrates (sucker disk present on top of head) Size: Up to 6 feet (150 pounds); common from 10 to 50 pounds
Appearance
- Long, slim fish with a broad, depressed head
- Brown in color, fading to a whitish belly
- Dark lateral stripe extending through eye to tail
- Lower jaw projects past upper jaw
- Young have alternating black and white horizontal stripes
Habitat
Cobia are found in nearshore and inshore waters with inlets and bays. Cobia are frequently found around buoys, pilings and wrecks in these areas.
Behavior
They spawn in spring and early summer. Feeds on crabs, squid and small fishes.
Additional information
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Seafood Profile
Powered by NOAA FishWatch data. Availability and detail varies by species.
NOAA FishWatch
Population
The stock is not overfished.
Fishing rate
Subject to overfishing.
Bycatch
Minimal, as commercial fishermen rarely target cobia.
Taste
Cobia has a sweet, rich flavor.
Texture
Cobia is lean, moist, and firm with a nice flake.
Color
Raw cobia meat is light tan and turns snowy-white when cooked.
Health benefits
Cobia is a good source of low-fat protein. It is high in riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6, magnesium, and potassium.
Sources
Image credit: NOAA Fisheries/Jack Hornady