TIGERFISH, GIANT

G, T -

TIGERFISH, GIANT

Scientific Name: 
Hydrocynus goliath
Salt/Fresh: 
Fresh
Also Known As: 
Giant Tigerfish; Goliath Tigerfish; TIGERFISH, GIANT; Mbenga
Rating: 
Countries: 
Other Countries
Description: 

The Giant Tigerfish is a very large African predatory freshwater fish of the Alestidae fish family. This large-toothed, highly predatory fish grows to a length of 1.5 metres (4.9 ft) and a weight of 50 kilograms (110 lb).

How To Identify: 

The Goliath Tigerfish has an olive-colored back and a silvery underbelly. It’s most impressive feature is the 32 jagged, razorlike teeth. Each tooth can be up to one inch long. The Goliath Tigerfish’s  teeth are set at the edge of the jaw so that the fish has barely any lips. And when those teeth slam down on prey, it's a clean, almost surgical cut. 

How To Catch: 

The Goliath Tigerfish can be caught between dawn and nightfall. You can drift fish along the rocks and troll two rods with live baits, while using other rods to cast artificial rubber baits toward the rocks. The Goliath Tigerfish is very hard to catch. A 30-40 pound fish is considered a great catch. They'll strike either lures or live bait. This strong fighter is one of the great freshwater game fish species. It jumps repeatedly when hooked, will take almost any kind of bait, including artificial and is powerful even when taken on heavy tackle. A wire leader is essential due to the sharp teeth . 

Where Found: 

Internationally

The Giant Tigerfish is found in the Congo River Basin (including Lualaba River and Lake Upemba), and Lake Tanganyika.

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