Pilotfish
Naucrates ductor
A small pelagic fish known for its distinctive dark vertical bands and its habit of following larger marine animals like sharks, rays, and ships. They feed on scraps and parasites from their host animals.
Pilotfish at a glance
- Scientific name
- Naucrates ductor
- Typical size
- 12-24 inches, 1-2 lbs
- Water
- Saltwater
- Habitat
- Offshore
- Rarity in the Fishdex™
- Rare
Habitat
Found in warm oceanic waters worldwide, typically swimming alongside sharks, large rays, sea turtles, or boats. Rarely targeted by anglers as they are small and not considered a food fish, but occasionally caught incidentally while fishing for larger pelagic species.
Catch one and it is yours
Log a pilotfish through the Cobia Camera and this entry fills in with your photo, your personal best, and the exact conditions on the day. The app also carries the slot and season rules for wherever you are standing.
How the Fishdex™ worksPilotfish questions people ask
Pilotfish is Naucrates ductor.
A typical pilotfish runs 12-24 inches, 1-2 lbs. Cobia records the length and weight of every pilotfish you log and keeps your personal best on its Fishdex entry.
Found in warm oceanic waters worldwide, typically swimming alongside sharks, large rays, sea turtles, or boats. Rarely targeted by anglers as they are small and not considered a food fish, but occasionally caught incidentally while fishing for larger pelagic species. It is a salt water species, filed under offshore in the Fishdex.
Yes. Log one through the Cobia Camera and this entry fills in with your own photo, your personal best, and the conditions on the day you caught it. The app also carries the slot limits and season dates for wherever you are standing. It is free.
Tomorrow morning starts tonight
Set your home water, pick a drive radius, and wake up to a plan.
Android coming soon
iPhone, iOS 17 or later. Setup takes about a minute.