Rachycentron canadum

The Cobia is a coastal circumtropical fish that likes warm, sandy waters. It can be found everywhere, in bays, close from the reef, and often on wrecks.

In Indonesia it is rather infrequent. It is easily confused with a shark or a large remora because of its flat and wide head and the shape of its body and fins.

Like the remora, it loves the company of bigger than him and it is not uncommon to observe it accompanying whale sharks or large manta rays.

The cobia moves fairly quickly and is shot either from a certain distance or more closely, but instinctively. Once shot it squirms vigorously in all directions to try to free itself from the shaft and if big, typically more than 20 kg, it will tend to bend your shaft. Definitely a dirty fighter. The top of the head is very hard, do not hesitate to get closer before shooting if only this angle is offered to you.

The cobia is rather hunted with a reel than a breakaway rig, even for big specimens, especially if the depth is limited, allowing a better control of the fish.

The cobia flesh is quite popular, if you are lucky enough to encounter one, do not hesitate to hunt it.