12/12/2021
Tigerfish, Giant (Hydrocynus goliath), often referred to as the Goliath Tigerfish or locally as the "Mbenga". Distribution is restricted to the Congo River, Lualaba River, Lake Upemba and Lake Tanganyika.
Most Sports Anglers in pursuit of the elusive Goliath will head to the massive Congo River. The Congo is the second longest river in Africa after the Nile and the second largest river in the world by discharge volume after the Amazon. The Congo is also the world's deepest river with measured depths in excess of 220 metres, its length being some 4700 kms... Goliath Tigerfish are piscivores, feeding on any fish they can overpower, including smaller conspecifics. When hunting they use the calmer eddies of the rapids to ambush prey, using keen sight and hearing to detect prey. When a target is noticed, they accelerate to chase it down.
A number of incidents have been reported of this fish attacking humans.This reputation, combined with its appearance and strength, has earned it an almost mythical status among anglers, and it has been called by many the 💥 "Greatest Freshwater Gamefish of All" 💥
According to locals living near the river, the evil spirit "Mbenga" enters the Goliath and makes it attack people... The Goliath has fourteen or more conical shaped teeth in the upper jaw and very powerful jaw muscles. It is said to be able to take a bite out of a crocodile.....actual hard evidence of this is sketchy.
The largest Goliath Tigerfish may exceed 110lbs (50kg) but stories of fish weighing up to 132lbs (60kg) have yet to be properly authenticated.
The Goliath jumps repeatedly when hooked, will take almost any kind of bait, including artificial lures, and is an expert at throwing the hook.... Catch & Release is Best 😊😊😊
