Kobs

Common Family Name

Kobs

Alias

Drums, Croackers, Hardheads

Scientific Name

Sciaenidae

Size

Up to 2 m, average 70 cm.

Identification

Elongated oval fishes. The dorsal fin is deeply notched. Lateral line well defined and sometimes with white spots. Some species have a pair of small barbels. Mostly silver or brown coloured. Plain kobs have a maroon sheen.

General Info

Sciaenidae family consists of 70 genera and 270 species. Make a repetitive croaking or drumming sound with their swimming bladders. Juveniles have a large first dorsal fin. Bottom dwellers found in sandy areas and in estuaries. Pelagic spawners.

Feeding

Feeds on small fish and benthic invertebrates.

Distribution

Occurs in all temperate and tropical oceans of the world and in fresh and saltwater.

Common Species

Daga kob - Argyrosomus japonicus
Kob - Argyrosomus hololepidotus
Slender baardman - Umbrina ronchus