RESEARCH ARTICLE

Osteological features of Cobia, Rachycentron canadum (Linnaeus 1766)

M.K. Sajeevan & B. Madhusoodana Kurup

Abstract

The Cobia, Rachycentron canadum (Linnaeus 1766), is a large, fast-growing coastal pelagic fish belonging to the monotypic family Rachycentridae. In this study, we describe in detail the osteological characters of the Cobia from Indian waters. The skull, appendicular, and axial skeletons were disarticulated, examined, and illustrated. We characterize the species based on morphometry, meristic counts, and osteological features and briefly review the phylogenetic relationships proposed for the species.