Depth
Lichia · Bony Fish

Leerfish

Lichia amia

0-50m
Depth Range
200cm
Max Size
Mediterranean
Distribution
0-50m
Depth Range
200cm
Max Size
Coastal pelagic
Habitat
Carnivore
Diet
Solitary
Social
LC
IUCN Status
Moderate
Sighting Likelihood
Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Actinopterygii
Genus Lichia
Species amia

Bony Fish

Identification & Biology

  • IdentificationPowerful, streamlined body with a large head and strong jaws armed with sharp teeth. Blue-grey back, silver flanks, and a white belly. Deeply forked tail. Elongated dorsal and anal fins.
  • SizeUp to 200 cm total length and 50 kg, commonly 60 to 100 cm.
  • Social HabitUsually solitary or in small groups. A fast, aggressive predator that patrols reef edges and open water.
  • HabitatCoastal waters, rocky reefs, and around structures. Often near the surface chasing baitfish.
  • DepthSurface to 50 m, most common in the upper 20 m.
  • Feeds OnFish including mullet, sardines, and anchovies, along with squid and shrimp. An explosive, high-speed predator.
  • DistributionEastern Atlantic from the Bay of Biscay to South Africa, including the Mediterranean Sea.
  • DescriptionOne of the most powerful and fastest predators in Mediterranean coastal waters. Leerfish chase prey at explosive speed and can leap clear of the water during hunting runs. They are a prized sport-fishing target and are known for their aggressive feeding behaviour. An encounter with a hunting leerfish is always dramatic.

Range

Habitat & Distribution

A coastal pelagic predator found from the surface to around 50 metres, typically over sandy bottoms, along rocky coasts and around offshore reefs. In Malta, it patrols headlands, reef edges and harbour entrances where smaller fish congregate.

Where Malta divers have spotted this species

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Sightings are logged by divers using our What Did You See? dive-log tool. View the full live sightings map.

Detail

Preferred Environment

Prefers clear coastal waters near rocky structures, sandy bays and areas where currents concentrate baitfish. Often found near headlands, reef drop-offs and around underwater points.

Encounter Tips

Best approached slowly and calmly. Avoid casting shadows directly over the animal. Neutral buoyancy and patience increase encounter success significantly.

Leerfish species card

Biology

Behaviour & Diet

Feeding Strategy

An aggressive apex predator that hunts mullet, sardines and other schooling fish with explosive bursts of speed. Often drives prey to the surface, creating visible surface disturbance.

Apex Coastal Predator

Reproduction

Spawns in coastal waters during late spring and summer. Juveniles spend their first months in sheltered inshore nursery areas before moving to more open coastal habitats.

Coastal Spawner

Behaviour & Defence

Its large size and speed make it virtually immune to most predators as an adult. Juveniles rely on speed and staying close to structure for protection.

Size & Speed

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Where to Encounter in Malta

Dive sites where Lichia amia may be encountered will be added as sighting data is collected.

IUCN Red List Least Concern

Conservation Status

This species is assessed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Mediterranean populations face ongoing pressure from fishing activity, habitat degradation, and climate-driven changes.

Source: IUCN Red List
diveshack Mediterranean Marine Life guide