How big is the Leerfish?

Leerfish (Lichia amia) reaches 50–200 cm in length.

At what depth can you find the Leerfish?

Leerfish is found between 0–50 m deep.

What is the conservation status of the Leerfish?

IUCN status: Least concern (LC).

Where can you find the Leerfish?

Found in: East Atlantic, Macaronesia, Mediterranean.

Leerfish (Lichia amia)

Key facts

Scientific name: Lichia amia
Common name: Leerfish
Category: Fish
Family: Carangidae
Genus: Lichia
Size: 50–200 cm
Depth: 0–50 m
IUCN status: Least concern (LC)
Danger level: Harmless
Habitats: open-water
Behaviours: solitary, schooling, fast-moving
Ocean zones: East Atlantic, Macaronesia, Mediterranean

Description

Lichia amia reaches 2 m and 50 kg. Large pelagic Mediterranean and tropical East Atlantic jack with fusiform elongated silver body with metallic blue-green back, white belly, distinctive strongly wavy lateral line. Very distinctive first dorsal with 6-8 spines. Lives in schools or solitary from 0 to 50 m in open water of Mediterranean and tropical and temperate Atlantic. Fast predator hunting small pelagics. Prized sport and commercial fishery. Sought-after wide-angle photo subject for imposing silhouette. More slender cousin of Caranx.

Photo of Leerfish

Frequently asked questions

How big is the Leerfish?: Leerfish (Lichia amia) reaches 50–200 cm in length.
At what depth can you find the Leerfish?: Leerfish is found between 0–50 m deep.
Is the Leerfish dangerous to divers?: Danger level: Harmless.
What is the conservation status of the Leerfish?: IUCN status: Least concern (LC).
Where can you find the Leerfish?: Found in: East Atlantic, Macaronesia, Mediterranean.

Other species in the family Carangidae

Sources

Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 126810)
Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 2391092)
Conservation: IUCN Red List
Encyclopedia: Wikipedia