---
title: Cobia (Rachycentridae)
scientific_name: Rachycentridae
common_name: Cobia
rank: Family
published: 2024-11-19T18:41:51.573Z
updated: 2026-08-03T20:51:30.555Z
tags: Cobia, Rachycentridae, Red Sea, Marine Life, Diving
url: https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/fishes/bony-fishes/cobia
---

# Cobia (*Rachycentridae*)

## Quick facts

- **Rank:** Family
- **Scientific name:** Rachycentridae
- **Body shape:** Torpedo - Streamlined and muscular, built for open-water speed - jacks, tunas, barracudas.
- **Species listed here:** 1

## How to recognise this group

- torpedo-shaped, muscular body
- broad, flattened head
- prominent dark lateral stripe from snout to tail
- large size, up to 2 meters
- often swims close to larger marine animals

Cobia (Rachycentridae) possess an elongated, somewhat fusiform body with a broad, flattened head. These large pelagic fish reach up to 2 meters (6.6 ft) in length and 68 kg (150 lbs). Their dorsal coloration ranges from dark brown to black, fading to white or silvery on the underside, marked by a prominent dark lateral stripe running from the snout to the tail.

Cobia inhabit open waters but frequently associate with submerged or floating structures, including reefs, wrecks, buoys, and debris, from the surface down to approximately 120 meters (400 ft). They are opportunistic predators, feeding on fish, crabs, shrimp, and squid. Cobia are often observed swimming closely alongside larger marine animals such as sharks, rays, and turtles, a behaviour resembling that of a remora. Divers encounter cobia infrequently.


## Species (1)

- [Cobia (Black Kingfish) (Rachycentron canadum)](https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/fishes/bony-fishes/cobia/cobia-black-kingfish)

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*Source: [Red Sea Creatures](https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/fishes/bony-fishes/cobia)*
*Updated: August 3, 2026*