Hydrocynus goliath

3. May 2013

Hydrocynus goliath Hydrocynus goliath

The tigerfish of the genus Hydrocynus are the top predators among the freshwater fishes of Africa. H. goliath represents the largest species, maximum length reported so far is more than 130 cm and 50 kg weight. Our specimens currently are 10-12 cm long.

Tigerfish are very popular among sport fishers, but aquarists specialized in predatory fish also get nervous when they get the opportunity to observe these animals, as they represent everything that is typical for a predator: power, size, elegance and a deathful set of teeth.

Juveniles of the different species of Hydrocynus look quite similar to each other; all have a silvery shine on the flanks and a similiar shape of the body. H. goliath can be recognized best by the fact that only the lower lobe of the caudal fin has red coloration. The species is native in the Congo basin and Lake Tanganyka.

Hydrocynus goliath is quite peaceful against conspecifics and other tankmates as long as they do not fit as prey. The teeth cannot be used for dissipating or gnawing, but work like a trap and prong the feeder fish.

For our customers: the fish have code 1414103 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Lexicon: Hydrocynus: from ancient Greek, means “waterdog”. goliath: after the mythological giantic warrior in the bible, Goliath.

Common name: Giant tigerfish

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft D.R. Congo
Verfügbare Größe in cm 10 - 12