The Goliath Tigerfish is an aggressive predator. It has powerful jaws with huge, sharp teeth. Some cultures call it a dogfish. The Goliath Tigerfish eats other fish and animals as large as crocodiles. It is one of the most dangerous freshwater fish. This fish can grow to 6 feet long and weigh 180 pounds. It is found in the Congo River basin in Africa. The Goliath Tigerfish is sought after by collectors. It falls prey to large creatures as crocodiles when young. It is considered Africa’s equivalent of the piranha. This highly predatory fish grows to 4.9 ft and 110 lb. Its teeth fit distinct grooves along its jaws. Tigerfish taste similar to bream. The world’s most venomous fish is the stonefish. The Goliath Tigerfish’s scientific name comes from Greek hydro for water and kyon for dog. It is found only in Africa with relatives like the Congo tetra. Tigerfish need a very large aquarium. Some cultures call it “Poisson Chien” instead of tigerfish. It eats fish it can overpower like small Nile perch. It occasionally falls prey to lions, jaguars and tigers. It is one of the most challenging fish to catch.
Are Goliath Tigerfish edible?
Goliath tigerfish inhabits Congo River Basin and Lake Tanganyika. Its length reaches 4-5 feet. Weight varies from 90 to 100 pounds. The biggest catch recorded was 4.9 feet long and 154 pounds.
This predatory fish is considered one of the most dangerous freshwater species. Its long, shark-like teeth can be deadly to humans. Several attacks on people swimming in Congo River have been reported.
The only known mature tigerfish predator is Nile crocodile. However, the fish is aggressive enough to kill smaller crocodiles.
Goliath tigerfish coexists with various fish, crabs and other aquatic creatures, which make up its diverse diet. Still the fish has few natural enemies itself due to the enormous size and predatory behavior.
Goliath grouper inhabits coastal waters of Florida and the Caribbean. Adults can reach 800 pounds yet despite the size humans have little to fear. These giants are notoriously docile.
Though forbidden in the US, grouper remains a menu staple elsewhere. When properly prepared the meat makes for delicious stews and chowders. While edible, grouper is very high in mercury requiring moderation.
What is the largest tiger fish ever recorded?
The largest tiger shark caught was 1,785 pounds and 11 ounces, off Australia in 2004. Due to rules, it ties the 1964 record of a 1,780-pound, 13 foot and 10.5 inch tiger shark caught in South Carolina. The largest fish ever caught was a 2,664 pound great white shark. The Goliath Tigerfish in the Congo River is the only African freshwater fish known to attack humans. The largest Goliath Tigerfish on record weighed 154 pounds.
Tiger sharks grow to 20-25 feet long and weigh over 1,900 pounds. They are common in tropical and sub-tropical waters. Tiger sharks tend to be curious and aggressive towards humans. The deadliest shark is the white shark with 66 fatal attacks on humans.
The Goliath Tigerfish found in the Congo River system has teeth similar in size to a great white shark.
In 1964, Walter Maxwell caught a record 1,780 pound, 13 foot and 10.5 inch tiger shark after a 5 hour fight. In 2004, Kevin Clapson caught a 1,785 pound and 11 ounce tiger shark off Australia, just 5 pounds over the previous record, so the IGFA declared a tie.
The tiger goliath is sought after by fishermen for its aggressive character and fighting spirit. It continues to capture imaginations, whether seen in the wild or heard about in tales of travelers.
Is the Goliath Tigerfish a fish that eats small crocodiles?
The goliath tigerfish is a large, predatory freshwater fish native to the Congo River Basin in Central Africa. Growing up to five feet long and weighing up to 100 pounds, it is one of the largest freshwater fish in the world. The fish has a sleek, streamlined silver body with dark coloring. Its most distinctive feature is its long, sharp teeth capable of delivering a powerful bite. As an opportunistic predator, the goliath tigerfish feeds on other fish, birds, and even small mammals.
When hunting, this fish uses calmer areas of rapids to ambush its prey. Using keen sight to detect targets, the fish accelerates to chase prey down. The Nile crocodile is the only known mature goliath tigerfish predator. As apex predators, goliath tigerfish have no known enemies, though young may fall prey to large creatures like crocodiles.
In the Congo River region this fish is known to eat small crocodiles and attack humans. Locals say it is the only fish not afraid of crocodiles, even devouring small ones. The goliath tigerfish is considered one of the top predators in its environment and is known for aggressive, predatory behavior. Its teeth fit distinct jaw grooves. In the western sportfishing world, it is considered Africa’s equivalent of the piranha, although not closely related.