Fin's Fish Guide
The African tigerfish (Hydrocynus vittatus) is a freshwater fish of the family Alestidae that grows up to 105 cm.
Fresh water of much of Africa, in large rivers and lakes with open, flowing water.
Description
The African tigerfish is a slender, powerful characin of the family Alestidae reaching about 1.05 metres. The streamlined, silvery body bears dark lengthwise stripes and ends in a deeply forked tail with red tints; the large mouth is set with big, dagger-like teeth that interlock. The species comes from much of Africa and lives in large rivers and lakes with open, flowing water. As a fast school-hunter it chases prey-fish schools and sometimes seizes fish in a leap at the surface. In the rainy season it spawns on flooded margins. With its explosive fights it is one of the most prized freshwater sport fish of Africa; when handled it bites fiercely.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the African tigerfish?
The African tigerfish has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a horizontal stripes pattern. Slender, powerful predator with dark longitudinal stripes and a large mouth full of large, dagger-like teeth; a fast hunter and formidable sport fish.
Where does the African tigerfish live?
The African tigerfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around open water. Fresh water of much of Africa, in large rivers and lakes with open, flowing water.
How big does the African tigerfish get?
The African tigerfish grows to a maximum of about 105 cm.
Is the African tigerfish dangerous to humans?
The African tigerfish can bite, but is otherwise not dangerous to humans. A predatory fish with sharp teeth that can bite fiercely when handled; keep fingers away from the mouth and unhook with tools.
Is the African tigerfish edible?
Yes, the African tigerfish is a highly prized food fish.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Hydrocynus
More from the family Alestidae
Want the complete picture on the African tigerfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the African tigerfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.