Lichia Cuvier, 1816
Teeth in both jaws small and pointed, in a broad band anteriorly, tapering posteriorly. Bases of soft dorsal and anal fins approximately equal in length. Spinous dorsal fin with 7 spines, connected by a membrane at their bases only. No caudal peduncle grooves. Lateral line very irregular and sinuous, describing a convex curve above and a concave curve behind the pectoral fin; no scutes.
Habitat: an inshore or estuarine species found in surface waters and to at least 50 m. Food: primarily other fishes; often pursues prey at surface. Reproduction: see family.
Distribution: eastern Atlantic, southern Bay of Biscay southward, including Madeira and Mediterranean (common). Elsewhere, entire East African coast and Indian Ocean northward to Delagoa Bay, Lourenço Marques.
Species 1.
Recent revision: Smith-Vaniz and Staiger (1973).
Species of this genus in the program:
Lichia amia