Answer
Remoras have dorsal suction discs and stay attached to hosts—cobia swim freely with rounded profiles and fight hard on rod. Both may appear near buoys; only cobia are legal keeper targets under cobia regulations. Do not confuse remora for undersized cobia.
Sources: Maryland DNR · Visit Ocean City
Editorial visitor guidance for Ocean City, Maryland. Confirm current Town of Ocean City, Maryland DNR, NPS Assateague, and NWS rules when regulations or safety apply.
