Editing Cobia (section)

==Description==
Attaining a maximum length of 2 m (78&nbsp;in) and maximum weight of {{Convert|79|kg|lb}}, the cobia has an elongated, fusiform (spindle-shaped) body and a broad, flattened head. The eyes are small and the lower jaw projects slightly past the upper. Fibrous villiform teeth line the jaws, the tongue, and the roof of the mouth. The body of the fish is smooth with small scales. It is dark brown in color, grading to white on the belly with two darker brown horizontal bands on the flanks. The stripes are more prominent during [[Spawn (biology)|spawning]], when they darken and the background color flashes.

The large pectoral fins are normally carried horizontally, perhaps helping the fish attain the profile of a [[shark]]. The first dorsal fin has six to nine independent, short, stout, sharp spines. The family name Rachycentridae, from the [[Greek language|Greek]] words ''rhachis'' ("spine") and ''kentron'' ("sting"), was inspired by these dorsal spines. The mature cobia has a forked, slightly lunated tail, which is usually dark brown. The fish lacks a [[swim bladder]]. The juvenile cobia is patterned with conspicuous bands of black and white and has a rounded tail. The previous largest cobia taken on rod and reel came from [[Shark Bay|Shark Bay, Australia]], and weighed 60&nbsp;kg (135&nbsp;lb). The new record for cobia certified by the IGFA weighed {{Convert|79.6|kg|lb}} and was caught near [[Rottnest Island|Rottnest Island, Australia]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-02-19 |title=New World Record Cobia Caught {{!}} Sport Fishing Mag |url=https://www.sportfishingmag.com/news/world-record-cobia/ |access-date=2025-02-24 |language=en-US}}</ref>