Garrick (leervis)
The garrick 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.
The garrick hunts other fish along our Atlantic coast, but it also follows the annual sardine migration up the coast towards KwaZulu-Natal.
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