Description:
long, slim fish with broad depressed head; lower jaw
projects past upper jaw; dark lateral stripe extends
through eye to tail; first dorsal fin comprised of 7 to 9
free spines; when young, has conspicuous alternating black
and white horizontal stripes.
Similar Fish:
remora, Echeneis naucrates.
Where found:
both INSHORE and NEARSHORE inhabiting inlets, bays, and
among mangroves; frequently seen around bouys, pilings,
and wrecks.
Size:
common to 30 pounds.
*Florida
Record: 103 lbs., 12 ozs.
Remarks:
spawns in spring and early summer; feeds on crabs, squid,
and small fish.
* The
Florida records quoted are from the Department of
Environmental Protection's printed publication, Fishing
Lines and are not necessarily the most current ones. The
records are provided as only as a benchmark.
Regulations
Min. Size
Limits: Not less than 33" at the fork
Closed Seasons: None.
Daily Rec. Bag Limit:
1 per person per day or 6 per
vessel per day, whichever is less
Remarks:
A Saltwater products license
and restricted species endorsement are needed to sell
cobia or exceed bag limit.
