The Leerfish is an impressive and powerful predator belonging to the Carangidae family. It is often confused with the Greater Amberjack, but clear differences distinguish them. The body is strongly compressed on the sides and appears flat, while the body of the amberjack is more rounded and torpedo-shaped. The most characteristic feature involves the lateral line, which is not straight but forms a bold zig-zag pattern above the pectoral fin.

There is also a dramatic change in appearance as the fish grows. Young individuals have a diamond shape and a yellow colour, with bold vertical black stripes like those of tropical fish. As they mature, the body elongates, and the stripes fade, leaving a silver colour with a white belly.

This is a strictly coastal and pelagic species that enjoys shallow waters. It usually moves from the surface down to a depth of 50 metres. It is highly resilient to salinity changes and frequently enters river estuaries, lagoons, or ports to hunt schools of mullet. It prefers areas with currents and high water movement, like headlands or port entrances.

The animal is a ruthless and fast predator that often cooperates in groups to trap its prey. It feeds almost exclusively on other fish. Its favourite food is mullet, which is why it frequents areas where their schools are found, although it also hunts garfish, seabream, bogue, and sand smelts. It often hunts with such momentum that it almost leaps out of the water during surface strikes.

Breeding takes place during the warm months of the year. In the Mediterranean, this period usually starts in June and peaks in August. Adult fish move to deeper waters to spawn, releasing pelagic eggs.

Fisheries & Economic Value

For recreational fishers, the Leerfish represents one of the most coveted trophies due to its strength and fighting spirit. It is caught mainly by spinning from the shore or by trolling with live bait such as garfish or mullet from a boat. The meat is of good quality and red and firm, although it is considered slightly inferior to that of the amberjack.