Among other victims of the Tiger’s predatory nature, the fish eagle is a primary prey along the Zambezi River and its major tributaries.Ĭompared to all the other species, the Tigerfish is probably the most prevalent type of fish in any river system around the South African region. Nevertheless, the fact that the tiger is an open water predator explains why it’s found near water surfaces in rivers. Studies conducted along major river systems show that the Tiger is rarely seen near rivers’ headwaters or in small tributaries. The major factor standing out in the distribution of the Tigerfish is water depth.
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However, fish that live over sandy bottoms seem to have a much lighter appearance.ĭistinguished by large and sharp protruding teeth, the Tiger Fish’s jaw holds a series of replacement teeth, meant to take the place of any teeth that might be lost or so broken. This Tiger Fish has a colorful appearance ranging from light to dark shades making this species fascinating to look at. Although its scales can be appropriately described as large, iridescent and silvery sometimes they appear to have a golden cast. The second largest variety of Tigerfish, the Hydrocynus vittatus is a fierce predator characterized by a long slender shape and a forked caudal fin. Citing recorded instances in the Congo River where unsuspecting swimmers have been preyed upon, it is the only African freshwater fish that is actually known to attack humans.Īppearance of the Tiger Fish ( Hydrocynus vittatus) While most Tigerfish species are not known to be dangerous to humans, the Goliath Tigerfish is a scary exception. Other species of the Tigerfish thriving in the African continent include the Hydrocynus brevis (Sudan), the Hydrocynus forskahlii (Northern Africa) and the Hydrocynus tanzaniae (Tanzania). The Hydrocynus vittatus is common in areas around the Okavango Delta and the Zambezi River system. Biologically referred to as the Hydrocynus vittatus, its naming is a literal combination of the English phrases ‘water dog’ and ‘striped’.
It can grow to up to 33 pounds, and is common in the southernmost areas of the African continent. The Hydrocynus vittatus Tiger Fish is the second most famous species. The Goliath Tiger can grow to more than 110 pounds, and is rampant in Lake Tanganyika and the Congo River. The Hydrocynus goliath, commonly referred to as the Goliath Tiger Fish, is the largest in the family. There are two major species of the African Tigerfish, mostly common in the South African sub-region. Native to Africa, the Tiger Fish is located in scores of rivers and lakes throughout the continent.Īlthough they can grow to quite large sizes, the African Tiger Fish can be seen as the equivalent to the South American Piranha. The ‘ Tiger Fish’ is the name generally used to refer to a variety of fish species of the genus Hydrocynus. Check out our Astoria Fishing Charters and Washington Halibut Charters