The goliath tigerfish is one of the most razor-sharp fearsome freshwater fish in the world and said to be a much bigger and deadlier version of piranha. It is nearly five feet long and it can reportedly reach an adult weight of 50 kg [110 lbs] It is the largest member of the tigerfish clan, a genus of fierce predators with protruding , dagger-like teeth. It has 32 razor –type teeth that are similar size to those of a great white shark and has been known to attack humans and even crocodiles. It has only ever been caught by a handful of fishermen due to danger it possesses and the fact its habitat is notoriously hard to reach.
Also known as “giant piranha” , the monstrous goliath tigerfish (Hydrocynus goliath) is among the most famous tigerfish. It is the largest member of the Alestidae family and it is found in Lake Tanganyika and Congo River in Africa.
Jeremy Wade, a British fisherman and host of Animal Planet’s River Monsters Show was intrigue to this giant piranha so he sets out in the Congo River to find and catch the mythical creature.
After eight days, Wade finally caught the monster, a 5-ft long goliath tigerfish, weighing more than 100 pounds.
He carefully grapples the tigerfish and was forced to use arm-length to hold it, in fear of getting beaten by its razor sharp teeth while posing for the camera.
According to him, “It is a very dangerous fish to handle and if you are not careful it could easily take off your finger off or worse”.
Wade had to use a generous size of catfish as bait and 200 lbs rod and line in order to catch the giant piranha. He had to stand back from the fish as a precautionary measure until it was safely placed in his landing net.
Commenting on the ferocious- looking monster, Wade said, “ This fish is no tench. It is, for all intents and purposes, a giant piranha. It is quite a beast. The teeth on it are incredibly sharp and are about the same length as a great white shark. It also has extremely powerful bite and has been known to consume prey the same size as itself, attack people and take pieces out of crocodiles. It is thought that these fish attack in a reflex response to a sudden movement or splash. It is very rare to catch one, especially by an outsider because they are fond in such a remote and difficult location to get to. There are no guides or lodges on that part of the Congo River”.
Normally Jeremy Wade doesn’t catch and kill fishes on the show, but it turns out the tigerfish beat itself up pretty good getting reeled in. Unfortunately, the tigerfish was too exhausted from battle and end up dying from its wound.
Wade decided to put up the fate of the dead giant tigerfish in the hands of the villagers as his catch.
Source: WereBlog
