Cobia vs Remora: Differences, Explained!

In this article, ill explain the difference between a Cobia vs Remora so you can properly identify them the next time you are on the water.

Table of Contents

Cobia vs Remora

Cobia and remora are two species of pelagic fish that are often confused. They share many similarities in appearance and behavior that make them tough to tell apart, especially when they are smaller (less than 24 inches).

To tell them apart, look for these main features:

  • Remora will have a large suction cup-like appendage on the top of their heads.
  • Remora rarely grow larger than 30 inches, Cobia can reach up to 60+ inches.
  • Cobia have large, protruding pectoral fins and are usually more brown-tan colored.
  • Cobia have a white belly, with horizontal brown, silver or bronze stripes.

Appearance

Both cobia and remora have long, dark bodies with two white stripes on each side. Cobia are usually lighter in color and can range from tan to black, with most having a brown undertone. Remora are usually gray to black in color.

Cobia vs Remora: Differences, Explained!
Remora (notice the suction cup on top of the head)

Cobia and remora also have differently shaped fins. Cobia fins protrude farther out and have more backward rake than the remora.

Cobia in a tank
Cobia

According to the Louisianna Fisheries, cobia also have a forked tail fin whereas remora have a truncated or flat tail fin.

Perhaps the starkest difference between these two fish is the presence of a large suction cup-like pad on top of the remora’s head that isn’t found on cobia.

This suction cup looks almost like a shoe print that extends from the mouth to the pectoral fins and is used to attach to larger fish and marine mammals.

Another obvious difference between cobia and remora is their size. Remora rarely reach over 30 inches and max out at only a few pounds, while cobia can reach 6 feet in length and 100 pounds.

Habitat

Cobia and remora occupy much of the same range, but in general remora will be found farther from shore in the open ocean and while cobia can be found there, they also tend to be found near beaches, inlets, and often migrate near shore.

Behavior

Confusingly, both of these fish often associate with larger species of fish like sharks and manta rays for protection and transportation.

Cobia vs remora
Remora

Anglers targeting cobia will sight fish them from these larger fish for an easy bite. 

Cobia usually hang out underneath the larger fish in their shadow, or hang back just behind the fish they’re traveling with, while remora suction directly to the fish they are traveling with.

If you’ve ever seen those little fishing sticking to the bottom of a big shark on TV or at an aquarium…those are remoras! That is how they gather food and survive, by attaching themselves to a larger host fish.

Fight Qualities

Remora usually have pretty lackluster fights when hooked, due to their relatively small bodies that aren’t meant for speed or stamina. They’re often a nuisance to anglers.

In contrast, cobia often make long, drag-screaming runs and have an unpredictable nature to their fights. They’re absolute brutes!

See also: The 6 Best Cobia Lures You Should be Using this Year!

Food Value

Are cobia and remora good fish to eat? Yes! While there are differences in meat taste and yield, both of these fish can provide some great food value.

Cobia are excellent to eat, and suitable for sashimi, baking, or frying. Their meat tastes unique and distinctive, yet mild, with a buttery and nutty flavor and is universally liked.

Remora are not commonly eaten and have much less meat compared to cobia, however, their meat is good to eat. It is also firm and white and has a mild flavor that is similar to triggerfish or porgy. 

Conclusion

Although these two fish might seem alike and often swim alongside each other, you can distinguish them by looking at a few key features:

  • Remora will have a large suction cup-like appendage on the top of their heads.
  • Remora rarely grow larger than 30 inches, Cobia can reach up to 60+ inches.
  • Cobia have large, protruding pectoral fins and are usually more brown-tan colored.
  • Cobia have a white belly, with horizontal brown, silver or bronze stripes.

Make sure to check for these differences before harvesting your catch and follow all of your local limits. Tight lines!

Growing up in Florida, I’ve been surrounded by saltwater my entire life…and I love sharing my passion with others.

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