Leerfish

The Leerfish, also known as garrick in South Africa, is a large, powerful predatory fish in the jack family (Carangidae), notable for being the sole member of its genus, Lichia. It is found in the eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean, ranging from the British Isles and southern Europe down the coast of West Africa to South Africa. Unlike most jacks, it lacks the row of bony scutes typical of the family, instead having a smooth lateral line. A prominent surf-zone and estuarine predator, it is highly regarded as a sport fish across its range and can reach considerable size, though it carries no major conservation designation despite localized fishing pressure.

• Elongate, streamlined, moderately compressed body
• Silvery body with a bluish-grey back and no bold striping
• Distinctive wavy, S-shaped lateral line without bony scutes (unusual among jacks)
• Long-based dorsal fin with a low first section
• Deeply forked tail
• Large mouth with prominent teeth

Typically 50-80 cm, capable of exceeding 1.5-2 m in exceptional cases. The absence of lateral scutes and the wavy lateral line reliably separate it from other large jacks such as amberjacks and trevallies.

Leerfish inhabit coastal waters of the eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean, from the British Isles and southern Europe along the West African coast to South Africa. They favor surf zones, estuary mouths, rocky points, and beaches with strong wave action, typically in shallow water near the shoreline, though larger individuals also range into deeper coastal waters. They tolerate brackish conditions and frequently enter estuaries in pursuit of baitfish. Seasonal movements track prey availability and water temperature, with concentrations often forming near river mouths and surf breaks where baitfish schools gather, particularly during warmer months along the South African coastline.

Leerfish are aggressive, powerful predators, typically solitary or found in small loose groups, known for explosive surface strikes on baitfish schools in the surf zone. They actively hunt fish such as mullet and sardines, often chasing prey into very shallow water or onto sandbanks. Spawning is believed to occur along the coast, though details remain less studied compared to other carangids. Their reliance on surf-zone baitfish makes them highly responsive to seasonal sardine and mullet migrations, particularly the well-known "sardine run" events off South Africa. As apex nearshore predators, they play a significant ecological role in structuring coastal baitfish populations.