( English ) How to Keeping Goliath Tigerfish

The Goliath tigerfish (Hydrocynus goliath) is a predatory fish that is native to the Congo River basin in Central Africa. It is known for its large size, with some individuals growing up to 1.5 meters (5 feet) in length and weighing up to 70 kilograms (154 pounds). The Goliath tigerfish has a distinctive appearance, with a large mouth filled with razor-sharp teeth that it uses to catch its prey, which can include other fish, birds, and small mammals. The species is considered to be one of the most formidable freshwater predators in the world and is a popular target for sport fishing. However, due to its rarity and remote habitat, it is not commonly encountered by humans.

Characteristic Goliath Tigerfish

The Goliath tigerfish is known for its distinctive appearance and predatory behavior. Some of its key characteristics include:

Size: As mentioned, the Goliath tigerfish can grow up to 1.5 meters (5 feet) in length and weigh up to 70 kilograms (154 pounds), making it one of the largest freshwater fish species in the world.

Teeth: The Goliath tigerfish has large, razor-sharp teeth that are capable of biting through the toughest of scales and bones. These teeth are aligned in multiple rows and are constantly being replaced throughout the fish's life.

Speed: Despite its size, the Goliath tigerfish is incredibly fast and agile in the water, capable of reaching speeds of up to 50 kilometers per hour (31 miles per hour) in pursuit of its prey.

Diet: The Goliath tigerfish is a predator and feeds on a variety of prey, including other fish, birds, and small mammals. It has a reputation for being an aggressive hunter, with a powerful bite and a tendency to attack anything that enters its territory.

Habitat: The Goliath tigerfish is found in the Congo River basin in Central Africa and is typically found in large rivers and deep lakes with fast-flowing currents. It is not a widely distributed species and is considered to be rare.

Sporting fish: Due to its size and predatory nature, the Goliath tigerfish is considered to be a highly sought-after species for sport fishing. Anglers typically use live bait or large lures to catch the fish, and the fight it puts up can be intense and last for several hours.

How to Keep Goliath Tigerfish

Keeping a Goliath tigerfish can be a challenging and complex task, and is not recommended for novice fishkeepers. These fish are aggressive predators and require large, specialized environments to thrive in captivity.

Here are some tips for keeping Goliath tigerfish:

Tank size: Goliath tigerfish are large, predatory fish and require a very large aquarium to accommodate their size and swimming patterns. A minimum tank size of 1000 gallons is recommended, but larger is even better.
Water quality: Goliath tigerfish require a high-quality water environment, with a pH between 7.0-8.0, a temperature range of 74-82°F, and a high oxygen content. Regular water changes and filtration are important to maintain water quality.
Feeding: Goliath tigerfish are predatory fish and should be fed a varied diet of live and frozen food, such as small fish, krill, and prawns. It is important to provide adequate feeding and not to overfeed the fish, as overfeeding can lead to health problems.
Tank mates: Goliath tigerfish are aggressive and should not be kept with other fish, as they will attack and consume them. It is best to keep them in a species-only tank.
Equipment: Goliath tigerfish are powerful fish and require a robust filtration system and strong aquarium walls to contain them. It is also important to have a secure lid on the tank to prevent escape.

In summary, keeping a Goliath tigerfish is a significant challenge and requires a high level of commitment and expertise. If you are considering keeping one, it is important to research and educate yourself thoroughly on their care requirements, and to have access to the resources and equipment necessary to provide a suitable environment.

Goliath Tigerfish Diet

The Goliath tigerfish is a predator and has a varied diet that includes a variety of prey. Its primary food sources include:

Fish: The Goliath tigerfish is known to feed on a wide range of fish species, including catfish, tilapia, and barbel.

Birds: The species is also known to prey on birds that venture too close to the water's surface.

Small mammals: In some instances, the Goliath tigerfish has been known to attack and consume small mammals, such as monkeys and bats, that fall into the water or come to the water's edge to drink.

Other predators: The Goliath tigerfish is known to be an aggressive predator and will attack and consume other predatory fish, such as other tigerfish and catfish, if given the opportunity.

It is important to note that the Goliath tigerfish is a powerful predator and will attack anything that enters its territory. This, combined with its razor-sharp teeth, makes it one of the most formidable freshwater predators in the world.

Goliath Tigerfish Price

The price of a Goliath tigerfish can vary greatly depending on a number of factors, such as the size of the fish, the location where it was caught, and the rarity of the species. In general, the Goliath tigerfish is considered to be a highly sought-after species for sport fishing and is considered to be one of the most challenging freshwater species to catch.

In some cases, a Goliath tigerfish can be sold for several thousand dollars, although the exact price will depend on the individual fish and the circumstances surrounding its sale. It is important to note that the trade in Goliath tigerfish is heavily regulated, and many countries have strict laws in place to protect the species from overfishing and commercial exploitation.

In summary, the price of a Goliath tigerfish can be substantial, but it will depend on several factors and can vary greatly. If you are interested in purchasing one, it is recommended to research the market and get in touch with reputable sellers to determine the current market value.

But, The trade in Goliath tigerfish is heavily regulated, as the species is considered to be threatened and is protected by international conservation agreements. The regulation of the trade in Goliath tigerfish is intended to ensure the survival of the species and to prevent overfishing and commercial exploitation.

In many countries, including the United States, it is illegal to purchase, sell, or trade Goliath tigerfish, or to transport them across international borders. Violating these laws can result in significant penalties and fines, and may also contribute to the decline of the species.

Therefore, it is important to be aware of the laws and regulations surrounding the trade in Goliath tigerfish, and to take steps to support conservation efforts aimed at protecting this fascinating species.

I am not aware of a comprehensive list of countries that prohibit the buying and selling of Goliath tigerfish. However, the trade in Goliath tigerfish is regulated and restricted by international conservation agreements, such as the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Under CITES, the trade in Goliath tigerfish is regulated to ensure the survival of the species and to prevent overfishing and commercial exploitation.

It is likely that many countries have laws in place that prohibit the buying, selling, or trade of Goliath tigerfish, but the specific laws and regulations can vary from country to country. If you are interested in purchasing a Goliath tigerfish, I would recommend researching the laws and regulations in your country or region, as well as any international agreements that may apply, to ensure that you are not in violation of any regulations or laws.

In general, it is best to support conservation efforts aimed at protecting species like the Goliath tigerfish, rather than engaging in activities that may contribute to their decline.