Goliath Tigerfish

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Tigerfish can be considered Africa`s equivalent of the South American piranha, though they belong to a completely different family. They gain this reputation as the former are famous for their ferocity when hunting. They have razor-sharp teeth which are inter-locking, together with their streamlined, muscular body built for speed, the tigerfish are aggressive predators. They have a gas-filled sac in their body, which they use as a sound receiver. This transmits vibrations from the water, enabling them to detect any animals nearby and respond accordingly. A school of juveniles can tackle animal of almost any size, including any land animals that stray too close to the water edge. Adults tend to travel in smaller groups of four to five, but they are no less dangerous. Even an individual can take down prey as large as itself. When food is scarce or the competition for food is too great, tigerfish may resort to cannibalism. This is particularly common in the dry season.

It can weigh over 100 pounds and its jaws are armed with 32 razor-sharp teeth that can shear through the strongest steel leaders and even straighten hooks. The few anglers that have battled these monsters are awestruck by the fish’s ferocious strikes, long runs and spectacular jumps. For years, the African Congo was virtually inaccessible due to civil unrest and logistical factors. FishQuest has now teamed up with Tigerfish Camp for our first exploratory trips. Our hosts, Daniel Neuville and Gerard Parruite are French anglers who have assembled a great camp and guide team.

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