Hydrocynus goliath
Giant Tigersalmler ( Hydrocynus goliath )
( English: Giant tigerfish ) The Giant Tigersalmler ( Hydrocynus goliath ), and giant tiger fish, Goliath Tigersalmler or water dog is a freshwater fish and the largest of the family of African tetras ( Alestidae ). Synonyms are Hydrocynus vittiger and Hydrocyon vittiger.
Dissemination
The Giant Tigersalmler is widespread in western and central Africa's Congo and its catchment area. Thus, it occurs also in the Lualaba River, Lake Tanganyika and Upembasee, but absent in all other power systems of the black continent.
Features
At Giant Tigersalmlern is elongated, strong fish spindle-shaped. The head is large and strong. The caudal fin is large, deeply forked, with a very powerful tail stem. In the sub-adult stage, the animals are more elongated with a reddish coloration of the lower Caudallappens ( tail lobes), which disappears to the adult stage. Moreover, they are always deep-bodied with age. Longitudinal stripes, which are typical of other tiger species, are very faint or absent. There are no known visible gender differences. Be reached lengths of more than one meter and several dozen kilograms. There are also unsubstantiated reports of specimens with 180 cm length. The most striking feature is probably its fearsome teeth, because the terminal and deeply forked mouth is densely covered with large needle-sharp, interlocking teeth. In its form, the teeth are triangular with razor- sharp edges. Another very interesting feature is their second joint in the upper jaw, so that the fish can significantly open their mouth even further.
Way of life
As active Hetzjäger they usually stay on in strong current. Since they mostly live in very turbid water, they have a well-developed lateral line, which facilitates their prey. They live exclusively piscivor and grab even after striking large prey fish, from which they can pull out with their teeth pieces. As a rule, however, is preferred prey, which can be swallowed whole. Larger specimens seem to live solitary, while young animals come together in smaller groups. According to the people living there, this is the only fish that is not afraid of crocodiles.
Aquarium maintenance
A few aquarists keep Giant Tigersalmler in larger basins. The water values are for the care of only minor importance. Not too cold, oxygen-rich water with a strong flow as possible is important. A good filtration and regular water changes are needed because larger amounts of nitrate are not as well tolerated. Tiger Fish are very sensitive to drugs with added coloring, so is better to deal with infestation with ectoparasites with jodfreiem saline and temperature increase. Due to the attainable body size suitable for the attitude of these agile floating joyful robbers only correspondingly large aquariums. A lot of free swimming space and some spacious shelters are not unimportant. Caution should be exercised when handling the basin with larger specimens. The animals bite extremely quickly, or similar fodder tweezers is essential. A breeding in the aquarium is not yet succeeded.
Economic Importance
The locals use the giant Tigersalmler as a food fish as well as all other fish species as well. Nevertheless, it is very often can not buy your own kitchen him, though he is a very good table fish. However, due to its appearance and its combat strength, he is popular prey in fishing. It will be offered to the Congo in order to simulate these fish diverse bookable fishing trips.