The African tigerfish (Hydrocynus vittatus) is a fascinating freshwater fish found throughout much of Africa. It is also known as the tiervis or ngwesh. This fish is a fierce hunter, primarily feeding on other fish.
The genus name, Hydrocynus, is derived from Greek words: "hydro" meaning "water" and "kyon" meaning "dog." This is a calque of the Egyptian Arabic name for the type species of the genus, H. forskahlii, kelb el bahr (كلب البحر), meaning "water dog". This name refers to the predatory behaviours of the genus.
An African Tigerfish. Source: Wikipedia
Appearance and Characteristics
Hydrocynus vittatus is mostly silver in color, featuring thin, dark stripes running horizontally along its body. This fish has a bright red, forked tail with a black edge. It also has a big head and very large, sharp teeth, with eight pointy teeth on both its upper and lower jaws, used for grabbing and tearing apart its prey.
Male African tigerfish are usually bigger and have a fuller body than females.
Read also: The Impact of Nigerian Tiger Shrimp
Key Physical Features
- Coloration: Silver with dark horizontal stripes
- Fins: Red, forked caudal fin with a black edge
- Teeth: Eight razor-sharp teeth per jaw
- Size: Common length of 3.5 feet (1.1 m), with a maximum weight of 62 lbs
Habitat and Distribution
African tigerfish inhabit many large freshwater rivers and lakes across Africa, including the Niger, Nile, Congo, and Zambezi rivers. They prefer warm waters with high oxygen levels. During the day, they often swim closer to the surface.
Its distribution covers the Niger/Bénoué, Ouémé River, Senegal River, Nile, Omo River, Congo River, Lufira, Lualaba River, Luapula, Zambezi, Limpopo River, Rovuma, Shire River, and Wami River; as well as various lakes: Lake Bangweulu, Mweru, Tanganyika, Upemba, Rukwa, and Malagarazi.
Distribution of Hydrocynus vittatus. Source: Wikipedia
Ecological Importance and Conservation
African tigerfish are very important for local communities, serving as a vital food source and contributing to local economies. Because they are so important, many groups and scientists study these fish, however, in some areas, their numbers have gone down. Sometimes, too much fishing can also be a problem.
The African tigerfish is common in most places it lives. Hydrocynus vittatus is common and widespread over most of its range. In the most studied population, that of Lake Kariba on the Middle Zambezi River, the population fluctuated markedly, apparently in direct relation to the abundance of the introduced clupeid Limnothrissa miodon which forms a major part of its diet.
Read also: Comparing Amur Tigers and African Lions
Threats to Tigerfish Populations
- Pollution
- Water extraction
- Obstructions by dams and weirs
- Unregulated gillnet fisheries
In some parts of Africa, like South Africa, the tigerfish is a protected species. This means there are rules to help keep them safe.
Behavior and Diet
Smaller tigerfish often swim together in groups called schools. This helps them stay safe and hunt together. African tigerfish are very aggressive hunters and are mostly piscivorous, meaning they eat other fish. They eat whichever fish species is most abundant and have also been seen leaping out of the water to snag birds in flight during summer months.
Smaller fish will hunt in large schools, while larger African tigerfish hunt alone. Favoured prey fish include cichlids, gobies, carp, and clariid catfish.
One of the most amazing hunting behaviors was seen at the Schroda Dam in South Africa. Researchers saw African tigerfish jumping out of the water to catch barn swallows! The birds were flying low over the water, looking for insects. The fish would chase the birds from underwater, then leap out to grab them. This is the only known example of a freshwater fish catching birds in mid-air!
African Tiger fish - The Ferocious Hunter #animals #wildlife #nationalgeographics #tigerfish
Breeding Habits
The breeding habits of this species are somewhat elusive, but it is thought that spawning may take place over a couple of days during December or January. The timing depends on when the rivers and streams begin to swell due to the start of the rainy season. Females lay their eggs in plants underwater, close to the shore. Young tigerfish stay hidden in these plants until the water levels drop.
Read also: Shark Attacks in the Red Sea
Tigerfish as Pets
Because of their cool, fierce look, some people might want to keep an African tigerfish as a pet. Hydrocynus vittatus has a ferocious appearance, which may lead people to be tempted to keep the African tigerfish as a pet.
However, this is generally not recommended and should only be attempted by those with advanced skills in keeping freshwater aquariums. These fish can get quite large and require at least a 2,400 L (530 imp gal; 630 US gal) tank. They also don't get along well with any fish smaller than them (even of their own species) since smaller fish make up a majority of their diet. As they grow larger, these fish can become very difficult to handle because of their aggressive nature and sharp teeth.
If you are set on having one, you must check local laws to determine if import of this fish is legal.
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