Hydrocynus goliath, also known as the goliath tigerfish, giant tigerfish, or mbenga, is a very large African predatory freshwater fish of the family Alestidae.
Distribution
Hydrocynus goliath is found in the Congo River Basin, and Lake Tanganyika. 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. Four additional species appear to be present in this Basin, while two appear to be present in Lake Tanganyika.
Description
This large-toothed, highly predatory fish grows to an average length of and a weight of. Its teeth fit into distinct grooves along its jaws. On average each of its teeth can grow up to 1 inch in accordance with biologist and television presenterJeremy Wade. Hydrocynus goliath is the largest member of the Alestidae family. Locals near the Congo River Basin call this species M'Benga, which means "the dangerous fish" in a Swahili dialect. This species lives only in the Congo basin. The picture below shows a large specimen of Hydrocynus goliath caught in Congo in July 2011, under the eyes of French journalist David Mailland.
Diet
Hydrocynus goliath is a piscivore, feeding on any fish it can overpower, including smaller conspecifics. 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 the goliath tigerfish.
Interaction with humans
A number of incidents have been reported in The Congo of this fish attacking humans. 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". According to locals living near the river, the evil spirit "mbenga" would enter the fish and make it attack people.
