Appearance and lifestyle:
The garrick (Lichia amia) is an elongated predator, with a sleek silver-green body and dark fins. Its most notable identifying feature is the downward curving lateral line along its sides. This is straight in most fish.
Habitat:
They follow the annual sardine migration up the coast towards KwaZulu-Natal. Juveniles are found in Cape estuaries.
Diet:
The garrick hunts other fish along our Atlantic coast.
Threats:
The IUCN status of the garrick is least concern. In South Africa however, it is a no-sale species, and it is illegal to buy or sell them as per the Southern African Sustainable Seafood Initiative (SASSI) Red List.
Spawns in warm KwaZulu-Natal waters, but matures in estuaries around the Cape
Also known as a pilotfish or leervis
Can grow up to 1,5m in length