Africa’s Aquatic Monster: The Goliath Tigerfish (13 Photos)

The giant Goliath tigerfish is rightfully considered one of the world's most terrifying and dangerous freshwater fish, second in ferocity only to the piranha. Armed with 32 razor-sharp teeth, large specimens of this African apex predator have even been known to attack crocodiles.

There are five known species of tigerfish, but the largest lives exclusively in the Congo River basin. Reaching up to 180 centimeters in length and weighing over 50 kilograms, this predator is a true killing machine.







The tigerfish is a popular target for big-game fishing in Africa. Jeremy Wade—a 52-year-old angler, freshwater fish expert, and host of the TV show "River Monsters"—managed to land a massive specimen.





To make the catch, he trekked to remote stretches of the Congo River, spending eight grueling days waiting for a bite alongside his team.



Fortune finally favored the anglers.



Wade reeled in one of the largest specimens ever caught, weighing up to 154 pounds (around 70 kilograms) and measuring 5 feet (1.5 meters) long.



Its main weapon is a set of 32 massive teeth, similar in size to those of a great white shark.



There are documented cases of the Goliath tigerfish attacking humans and even crocodiles!



The fish earned its name from its impressive size and the dark, tiger-like horizontal stripes along its body.



The Goliath tigerfish is a formidable predator that feeds on smaller fish. Its favorite delicacy is the kamba catfish, which is abundant in the Congo River.



Jeremy Wade poses with his prize catch.



The kamba catfish, plentiful in the Congo, serves as a favorite treat for this African giant.



Thanks to its extraordinary strength, it easily swims against powerful currents, snagging weaker fish unable to fight the rushing water.



The species is also kept in the aquarium trade, housed in public display tanks with ample hiding spots and heavy filtration.