Mafou (Cobia)
Rachycentron canadum (Linnaeus, 1766)
Family Rachycentridae • the powerful cobia of coastal structures
1 look-alike to know
| French name | Mafou. Other names: cobia, mafou royal, requin de sable (wrongly). |
|---|---|
| Scientific name | Rachycentron canadum (Linnaeus, 1766) |
| Family | Family Rachycentridae |
| English name (FAO) | Mafou (Cobia) |
| Local names | On Ivorian markets and landing sites: “Banane chinois” (Ouattara et al., 2016). |
| Habitat | Marine and brackish, coastal pelagic. Near structures, wrecks, buoys and large floating objects. Enters estuaries. |
| IUCN status | Least Concern (LC), IUCN Red List, assessed on 21/08/2012. Widespread species, targeted by sport and commercial fishing. |
How to recognise it
- elongated, streamlined body, dark brown, broad dark lateral band edged with pale, pale belly;
- broad, flattened head, protruding lower jaw;
- first dorsal fin made up of 7 to 9 short, free spines (most often 8);
- crescent-shaped tail, upper lobe slightly longer.
Not to be confused with: the remora (Echeneis naucrates), which has a sucking disc on its head.
Size
Common size 110 cm; published maximum 200 cm and 68 kg (FishBase).
Life
A curious predator that follows wrecks, buoys, large fish and rays; feeds on crabs, small fish and squid (FishBase; V13). Present on the Ivorian coast near structures and river mouths.
Fishing
By casting soft plastics or jigs near structures; with live bait; long runs and sudden turns near the boat.
At the table
White, firm and highly prized flesh; grilled, baked or raw when very fresh.
Status
Least Concern (LC), IUCN Red List, assessment of 21/08/2012 (via FishBase, checked on 24/10/2026).
Sources: FishBase, Rachycentron canadum (accessed on 24/10/2026); species sheet 28 V13.