Goliath Tigerfish

Hydrocynus goliath 

Habitat & Distribution :  White water rapids of the great River Congo in Central Africa

Diet : Fish 

Size: 1,5-2 m

Lifespan: 10-15 years

Description

The largest tigerfish species, strong and muscular with the body shape like a tuna, easily identifiable by their large teeth that can grow up to 2,5 cm and have shiny silver scales. 

Behavior

Goliath tigerfish are one of the apex predators in the Congo river ecosystem and one of the only fish strong enough to move through the Congo's strong currents to reach calm pockets of water in order to hunt for food. 

Reproduction

Goliath tigerfish are egg-laying, non-attentive spawners that reproduce during the rainy season, with females laying up to 750,000 eggs in shallow, vegetated riverbanks or lake shores. 

Communication & Perception

They rely on specialized sensory adaptations to navigate and hunt in the murky, fast-flowing waters of the Congo River basin. 

Predator(s)

 Crocodiles