|
Attaining a maximum length of 2 meters
(78 inches)
 and
maximum weight of 68 kilograms (150 pounds), cobia have elongate
fusiform (spindle shaped) bodies and broad, flattened heads. Their
eyes are small and their lower jaw projects slightly past the upper
jaw. On the jaws, tongue and roof of the mouth are bands of
villiform (fibrous) teeth. Their bodies are smooth with small
scales, their dark brown coloration grading to white on the belly
with two darker brown horizontal bands on the flanks. These may not
be prominent except during spawning when cobia lighten in colour and
adopt a more prominently striped pattern. The large pectoral fins
are normally carried horizontally (rather than vertically as shown
for convenience in the illustration), so that, as seen in the water
they may be mistaken for a small shark. When boated, the horizontal
pectoral fins enable the cobia to remain upright so that their
vigorous thrashing can make them a hazard. The first dorsal fin is
composed of six to nine independent, short, stout, and sharp spines.
The family name Rachycentridae, from the Greek words rhachis meaning
"spine" and kentron meaning "sting," is an allusion to these dorsal
spines. Mature cobia have forked, slightly lunate tail fins with
most fins being a dark brown. They lack air bladders.
Cobia feed primarily on crabs, squid, and other fish. Cobia will
follow larger animals such as sharks, turtles and manta rays in hope
of scavenging a meal. Cobia are intensely curious fish and show no
fear of boats. Their predators are not well documented, but the
dolphinfish (Coryphaena hippurus) is known to feed on immature
Cobia. Shortfin mako sharks are known to feed on adult Cobia and
have been seen by fishermen following Cobia during their annual
springtime migration in the northern Gulf of Mexico.
Information courtesy of
Wikipedia
|
