Hydrocynus goliath, also known as the goliath tigerfish, giant tigerfish, or mbenga, is a very large African predatory freshwater fish of the family Alestidae.
| Hydrocynus goliath | |
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Scientific classification 
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| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Characiformes |
| Family: | Alestidae |
| Genus: | Hydrocynus |
| Species: | H. goliath
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| Binomial name | |
| Hydrocynus goliath (Boulenger, 1898)
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| Catchment area for Hydrocynus goliath | |
| Synonyms[2] | |
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Distribution edit
Hydrocynus goliath is found in the Congo River Basin (including Lualaba River and Lake Upemba), and Lake Tanganyika.[3][4] A study published in 2011 revealed several mtDNA clades in this region, suggesting a higher tigerfish species richness than traditionally recognized. If confirmed, this would restrict H. goliath to the Congo River Basin.[5] Four additional species (H. vittatus and three unknown species) appear to be present in this Basin, while two (H. vittatus and an unknown species) appear to be present in Lake Tanganyika.[5]
Description edit
This large-toothed, highly predatory fish grows to an average length of 1.5 m (4.9 ft) and a weight of 50 kg (110 lb).[6] Its teeth fit into distinct grooves along its jaws. On average each of its teeth can grow up to 2.5 cm (1 in),[4] according to biologist and television presenter Jeremy Wade.[6] The largest recorded specimen weighed 70 kg (154 lb).[4]
Diet edit
Hydrocynus goliath is a piscivore, feeding on any fish it can overpower, including smaller members of the same species.
When hunting, this fish uses the calmer eddies of the rapids to ambush its prey, using its keen sight to detect prey. When a target is noticed, the fish accelerates to chase it down. The Nile crocodile is the only known predator of mature goliath tigerfish.
Interaction with humans edit
A number of incidents have been reported in the Congo of this fish attacking humans.[7][4] This reputation, combined with its strength, has earned it an almost mythical status among anglers, and it has been called the "greatest freshwater gamefish in the world".[7]
References edit
- ^ Moelants, T. (2010). "Hydrocynus goliath". The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2010. IUCN: e.T182833A7980766. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2010-3.RLTS.T182833A7980766.en.
- ^ "Synonyms of Hydrocynus goliath (Boulenger, 1898)". Fishbase. Retrieved 6 April 2017.
- ^ Froese, Rainer; Pauly, Daniel (eds.) (2013). "Hydrocynus goliath" in FishBase. April 2013 version.
- ^ a b c d "Goliath Tigerfish (Hydrocynus goliath)". animalplanet.com. Discovery Channel. Archived from the original on 26 February 2019. Retrieved 31 December 2021.
- ^ a b Goodier, S.A.M., F.P.D. Cotterill, C. O'Ryan, P.H. Skelton, and M.J de Wit (2011). Cryptic Diversity of African Tigerfish (Genus Hydrocynus) Reveals Palaeogeographic Signatures of Linked Neogene Geotectonic Events. PLoS ONE 6(12): e28775. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0028775
- ^ a b Skelton, Paul Harvey (2001). A Complete Guide to the Freshwater Fishes of Southern Africa. Struik. ISBN 978-1-86872-643-1 – via Google Books.
- ^ a b Hansford-Steele, Bill (2002). African Fly-Fishing Handbook. Struik. p. 212. ISBN 978-1-86872-882-4 – via Google Books.
External links edit
- Goliath Tigerfish | The Proceedings of the Ever so Strange
- https://web.archive.org/web/20101206040928/http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/series/explorer/3826/Overview
- Phillipson, David W. (1975). Mosi-oa-Tunya: A Handbook to the Victoria Falls Region. Longman. ISBN 0-582-64170-5. OCLC 2639131.
- "Mystical goliath tiger fish caught on camera Archived 8 June 2012 at the Wayback Machine". 21 October 2010.