The scientific name of the tigerfish, translated, means 'striped water-dog'. This is quite an appropriate name if the tigerfish's physical appearance is taken into account; it has large, sharp teeth set in hard, bony jaws.
Other names: Afrikaans -- Tiervis :
Tigerfish are related to the South American piranha, and are also energetic predators. The newly hatched tigerfish feed on minute water creatures, and by the time they are 10 cm long they are are efficient predators of other fish. They swallow their prey whole, and can devour fish as much as a third of their own size.
There are only three major enemies to a fully grown tigerfish: crocodiles, otters and man, all of which need some luck in order to catch these swift fish.
Badly aerated and cold water are major causes of the decrease in tigerfish numbers, as is the construction of dams which prevent the spawning migration of the fish.
Anglers find the tigerfish to be a major challenge as far as fighting ability is concerned. Once hooked, the tigerfish will fight to the death to try and throw the hook, and some anglers have lost a finger trying to remove the hook from the tigerfish's mouth. The flesh of the tigerfish contains a large number of small, sharply pointed bones, and it has to be eaten soon after capture.
Interesting facts about Tigerfish statistics / bio:
Diet: The newly hatched tigerfish feed on minute water creatures, and by the time they are
10 cm long they are are efficient predators of other fish. Tigerfish swallow their prey whole, and can consume fish as much as a third of their own size.
Distribution (Range): Tigerfish are widely distributed in southern Africa, from the Nile River in the north, through west and east Africa, throughout the Zambezi river system, the lowveld of Limpopo and its tributaries as far as the Phongolo River system.
Size: The weight of tigerfish on average is 4 kg and they can reach as much as 15,5 kg in weight.
Colour: The flanks and undersides of the tigerfish are silver, the back is blue, and the fins are often a bright orange or red. The tigerfish has a series of black stripes that run along the body from head to tail.
Most like: Tigerfish are not likely to be confused with any other fish in South Africa.
Habitat: The habitat of tigerfish is well-aerated rivers and lakes.
Best places to see the Tigerfish in Southern Africa:
• Kruger National Park
 Fishes of Southern Africa >> Printable Freshwater Fish List <<
South African Fish Species >> Printable Freshwater Fish List <<
Wildlife - Fauna & Flora of Southern Africa
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