Diving with Cobia
Lanta Marine Life | Rachycentridae
The family Rachycentridae contains a single genus, Rachycentron, of which there is a single species, Rachycentron canadum, the Cobia. Occasionally spotted while diving around Koh Lanta.
Other common names include Black Kingfish, Black Salmon, Ling and Lemonfish.
The family Rachycentridae resembles its close relatives, the remoras of the family Echeneidae, however they lack the remora's dorsal sucker and have a more stout body.
1 species found on this page:
Cobia
(Rachycentron canadum)
Cobias are swift-moving, voracious, predatory fish growing up to 1.8 m in length. The lower jaw protrudes beyond the upper jaw and the head is rather flat. This is a dark coloured fish with brown sides, each with two long brown stripes. The belly is often a lighter brownish, yellowish colour.
![Cobia (Rachycentron canadum)](https://www.diveandrelax.com/wp-content/uploads/marine-life/ray-finned-fishes/cobia/rachycentron-canadum-01-720x540-1-180x135.jpg)
Rachycentron canadum @ Koh Haa
The distinctive dorsal fin, with several short spines and a long, soft ray, together with the horizontally carried pectoral fins and long upper tail fin lobe give this species the profile of a shark.
![Cobia (Rachycentron canadum)](https://www.diveandrelax.com/wp-content/uploads/marine-life/ray-finned-fishes/cobia/rachycentron-canadum-02-720x540-1-180x135.jpg)
Rachycentron canadum @ Koh Haa
Cobias feed on crabs, fishes and squid, and are often found over sand and rubble reef bottoms or in small schools accompanying whale sharks, or other large marine animals such as large rays.
Diving with Cobia around Koh Lanta
Scuba Diving & Snorkel Trips
If you'd love a chance to spot Cobia on one of our daily high season diving trips from Koh Lanta then send us an email to info@diveandrelax.com.
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Find Out More
Indo-Pacific Marine Life Guides
- Allen, G., Steene, R., Humann, P., DeLoach, N. (2003) Reef Fish Identification, Tropical Pacific. Jacksonville, FL., USA: New World Publications, Inc., ISBN 1-878348-36-1.
- Humann, P., DeLoach, N., (2010) Reef Creature Identification, Tropical Pacific. Jacksonville, FL., USA: New World Publications Inc., ISBN 978-1-878348-44-9
- Debelius, H. (2013) Indian Ocean Reef Guide. Frankfurt, Germany: IKAN - Unterwasserarchiv, ISBN 978-3-939767-52-7.
- Debelius, H. (2004) Nudibranchs and Sea Snails, Indo-Pacific Field Guide. Frankfurt, Germany: IKAN - Unterwasserarchiv, ISBN 3-925919-51-1
- Erhardt, H., Knop, D. (2015) Corals Indo-Pacific Field Guide. Frankfurt, Germany: IKAN - Unterwasserarchiv, ISBN 3-925919-69-4.
- Veron J.E.N., Stafford-Smith M.G., Turak E. and DeVantier L.M. (2016). Corals of the World