We all know how deadly piranhas can be, remember how this fish devoured the flesh of a 13-year-old kid in Peru. But what if there’s a giant version of it? That would be totally terrifying!
Believe it or not, there is, and it’s called Hydrocynus goliath also known as the goliath tigerfish, giant tigerfish, or mbenga. The Goliath tigerfish isn’t actually piranha but the largest member of the tigerfish clan. Though, it’s reputation is quiet similar to piranha, just bigger and deadlier.
This giant piranha is well-known as being one of the most dangerous freshwater fish in the world and can be found in Lake Tanganyika and the Congo River in Africa.
It has 32 razor-sharp teeth that are of similar size to those of a great white shark and has been known for attacking humans and even crocodiles.
Locals say it is the only fish that doesn’t fear crocodile, and it actually eats smaller ones.
There have been reports from around the world that humans are being attacked by unknown creature and this intrigue River Monsters’ host Jeremy Wade. So the British angler sets out in the Congo River to find and catch the mythical creature.
After eight days, Wade finally caught the monster, a 5-ft-long goliath tigerfish, weighing more than 100 pounds!
He carefully grapples the ferocious looking monster and was forced to use arm-length to hold it, in fear of getting beaten by its razor sharp teeth while posing for the camera.
He said, “It is a very dangerous fish to handle. If you aren’t careful it could easily take your finger off or worse”
In order to catch the giant piranha, Wade had to use a generous size of catfish as bait and a 200lbs rod and line. He had to stand back from the fish as a precautionary measure until it was safely placed in his landing net.
Wade said, “This fish is no tench. It is, for all intents and purposes, a giant piranha. It is quite a beast. The teeth on it are incredibly sharp and are about the same length as a great white shark. It also has an extremely powerful bite and has been known to consume prey the same size as itself, attack people and take pieces out of crocodiles. It is thought that these fish attack in a reflex response to a sudden movement or splash. It is very rare to catch one, especially by an outsider because they are found in such a remote and difficult location to get to. There are no guides or lodges on that part of the Congo River.”
Just like what other anglers do, Wade doesn’t kill fishes, so he returned the deadly fish to the river afterwards. Unfortunately, the tigerfish was too exhausted from battle and end up dying from its wound.
Wade decided to put the fate of the dead giant tigerfish in the hands of the villagers as his catch.
