Tiger fish Goliath is a predator of the Congo River

Congo is the deepest river on the planet, the second in the world (after the Amazon) in terms of fullness and length, which is about 4700 km. The only water channel that crosses the equator twice, in its rich basin has a large number of diverse representatives of African flora and fauna: more than 20 species of small fishes and about 875 large species. Giant lizards, large crocodiles, small turtles and snakes are far from complete list of the inhabitants of such a chic reserve. About 250 species of them are rare, and most are simply unknown to science.

Congo - the river that sheltered the monster

Due to the strong current, the Congo River is a kind of evolutionary cauldron, contributing to the isolation of fish in certain sectors. This is due to the impotence of the latter before the power of the current. This forced isolation contributes to the emergence of a large number of unusual representatives of the animal world. The only individual who feels comfortable in a frenzied game of the current is the tiger fish Goliath, a water monster that inspires fear and trembling. The river stream itself carries to it in the jaws of potential victims who are not capable of resisting the force of the water element.

His nickname for fish was a giant size, which was famous for the great warrior Goliath, who had a height of 2 m 89 cm. A "tiger" is called for located horizontally dark stripes on the sides of the trunk. For the first time a large tiger fish Goliath was described in 1861. The African inhabitant is most often found in Lake Tanganyik and in the Congo, Nile, Senegal, Omo rivers. Large rivers and large lakes are the most comfortable environment for a river giant. Can lead a gregarious lifestyle with individuals of their species or predators similar to themselves. Males are much larger than females.

Goliath: Description of the Predator

Tiger fish Goliath with a strong oblong torso, covered with large silver scales, and small pointed fins (red or bright orange) possesses all the qualities peculiar to the predator:

• Length - up to 2 meters.
• Weight - 50 kg and more.
• Lifespan: 12 to 15 years.
• Very large head with a large mouth.
• 32 teeth, sharpened like a razor, with their tiger fish the Goliath grabs and tears the victim, without even chewing on it. During a life on a place of dropping out teeth new grow.
• Excellent hearing, as well as the ability to feel the prey by low-frequency vibrations.
• Ability to move easily in rough waters.

Tiger fish Goliath: what feeds on

In the natural environment, fish are omnivorous, its main food is fish and small mammals, although plant foods and detritus are also included in the ration of the river monster, which, by its bloodthirstiness, can compete with the Amazonian piranha. During periods of hunger attacks, the Goliath is able to attack a person, and sometimes does not disdain and crocodiles, in nature, these cases were recorded.

In nature, female tiger fish Goliath spawned only a few days, during the rainy season (December - January). When migrating from large rivers into shallow tributaries, females lay large quantities of eggs among dense vegetation in shallow places. For the frying fry, the initial period of life is more than comfortable, it is shallow, warm water and plenty of forages. Over time, adults grow into large rivers.

Hunting a monster is a matter of honor

Tiger fish Goliath - one of the most terrible freshwater fish in the world, so in Africa fishing for it is extremely popular among the local population, it can be compared to a successful hunt in the taiga for a bear. For every angler, such fishing is a real adventure, turning a dangerous predator into an unfortunate victim and a desired prey, after which fishermen from all over the world come to hunt on the banks of the Congo River.

Tiger fish Goliath is the most terrible freshwater fish in the world, therefore it is rather difficult to catch this giant, because with its sharp teeth it is able to bite a fishing line of any thickness. Knowledgeable anglers use special leashes, which are made of very strong steel. Only in this way can you get a giant out of his habitat and get to know him on land.

To catch such a giant specimen was managed by Jeremy Wade - an expert on freshwater fish and the leader of the program "River Monsters", engaged in fishing from an early age. For his 52 years, having visited many different places on the globe, he always brought from there unusual representatives of the river fauna.

More than a week the hunter plodded the hard-to-reach places of the river, for which he was rewarded with the long-awaited catch. Giant weighing 70 kg and a length of 1.5 meters did fall into his hands. Photo of the tiger fish Goliath, on which it is in the hands of Jeremy, is admired by the experience and courage of this brave man.